The Red, White & Blue
Red, white & blue are the colors of the day. Flags will wave more today on American soil than any other day of the year. And every country music station will be streaming “I’m proud to be an American.”
And I am.
More so as a military wife because I live the sacrifices we honor on days such as these: Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day.
In fact, my husband won’t see us today. He kissed me a sleepy goodbye at 5 a.m. and will be home tomorrow. We have our share of missed holidays due to his service to our nation.
We miss weekends, we miss birthdays, Valentine’s Days and anniversaries. We’ve lost years of growing together. I know he has paid a huge cost to keep us free in his heart and with his body.
So regardless of the politics of our nation, I understand the pride of honoring those who’ve sacrificed to serve this unique nation of freedoms.
But maybe we should be celebrating another red, white & blue.
Yesterday in church, I wondered if American Christians have placed too high a priority on our patriotism over our real citizenship.
Have American Christians placed too high a priority on patriotism over our eternal citizenship? Click To TweetAs we stood in worship singing, “Nothing but the blood,” I realized the real freedom RED represents is the blood Christ shed to redeem humanity, to redeem me.
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood. The imagery was graphic as I thought about how American soldiers have shed blood to secure my rights to live and worship freely, something I will never take for granted, but I was overcome as I sang thanking Jesus for my eternal freedom.
What red could ever mean more than that?
His sacrifice washed me white as snow.
When my Abba, Father God looks at my life, He sees only the purity of His Son in my stead. The black sins that covered my past in shame are purest white today.
The blue field of stars reminds us of the heavenly places to which we turn to worship, which we will someday call home with Christ our savior.
I celebrate the unique freedoms of our earthly home today and the Christian foundation of our country, but given the polarizing crises facing us politically and culturally; I realize my U.S. citizenship is temporary. No matter how much I love America, nothing will ever compare to my commitment to His Red, White & Blue.
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16 Comments
Pamela Kuhn
What an awesome post! First I want to thank you for the sacrifices your family makes so my family can enjoy our freedoms. There’s a song I love my husband’s choir used to sing — “On New York harbor stands a lady with her torch raised to the sky…” Then the second verse “The cross is my statue of liberty. It was there that my soul was set free.” Both freedoms are important, but our country’s freedoms are needed on earth and our soul’s freedoms in Heaven. So well written–this post blessed me.
Jennifer
Oh, thank you. I was torn about sharing it. I’m glad it blessed you!
Tara
This is an interesting comparison. People do need to seriously consider their eternal citizenship!
Mary
I loved this! Tell your husband thank you for serving and thank you for keeping us safe. Also, I like the meanings of the colors of the flag- that’s a beautiful way to look at things.
Jennifer
Oh, thank you. I love having dual citizenship! 😍
LauraOinAK
Such an awesome reminder of where to truly focus our hearts! If God is first, the rest will follow.
Jennifer
It is true for me, hopefully for our country too
Crystal
I agree Laura, what a great reminder which I needed today!
Mihaela Echols
Thank you for all the sacrifices you make so we can have freedom as well.
Jennifer
It is part of God’s plan to help me rely on Him more and be more selfless.
Kay
This is beautiful! As wonderful as being an American is, I am even prouder to be a part of God’s Heavenly home.
Jennifer
Me too!
Vanessa Raphael
Amen! Our country (Norway) has a big blue cross in it followed by white and then covered in 4 big red squares. I always think about the cross and the blood of Jesus. (You can google the Norwegian flag, it will all make sense to you).
We don’t have anyone recently fighting for our land, but we have our ancestors fighting in WW2. I believe we should have more of an honor culture like you have for the old people.
Great read!
Jennifer
An article I read reminded me that we have so many Christian brothers and sisters around the world. We have to be mindful of our true allegiance. Thanks for stopping by!
Inez
I LOVE this post!! I, too, am proud to be an American but I have wondered the same. Sometimes it seems we’ve put too much hope in our earthly citizenship forgetting we are citizens of heaven. Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Also, thank you for the sacrifice your family makes to protect our us an our freedom. 🙂
Jennifer
Thank you, Inez! We are happy to be able to serve. It isn’t always easy, but nothing worth doing usually is.