Thirteen Folds to Freedom

As the morning sun announces the breaking of another day filled with new Mercies, America pauses to celebrate Memorial Day.  Sadly, to many citizens of this great land, it's just another three day weekend filled with family festivities, firing up the barbecue and celebration of an extra day off work. And yes, I also will enjoy a hot dog, apple pie and watermelon today but this morning my heart is deeply stirring and saddened for the condition of my nation.

As I ponder Memorial Day, my thoughts are drawn to a different time and place.......a time when America was hailed and respected as a shining beacon......America was revered.....America was esteemed.......and those who proudly wore an American armed forces uniform and valiantly fought and died for our freedoms were highly honored and celebrated.  A time when every town, city and municipality and classroom large or small passionately celebrated the greatness of our blessed nation and wavered not from the principals and standards from which she was birthed.

My memories continue to drift to a Georgia elementary classroom where the Holy Bible lay on my teachers desk and Old Glory stood along side. Daily allegiance to the stars and stripes was proudly pledged and the time honored and proven declarations of "One Nation Under God", "In God We Trust " and patriotic heartfelt choruses such as "God Bless America" and "My Country 'tis of Thee" flowed freely and often from our lips.  Oh, how far we've drifted away from our foundation......a foundation forged by the Hand and Grace of God.  Forgive us, oh God......we've forfeited Your foundation for the shifting sands of man-pleasing, political correctness and acceptance of other gods!

On this Memorial Day, I choose to honor the One who birthed this great nation and be ever mindful of those who served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for my freedoms!  The beautiful fabric of America was and continues to be woven with the blood stained threads of those in uniform who loyally served and gave their all to protect and defend our God Given rights.  May the significance of their sacrifice never be diminished or forgotten!

My first memories of witnessing a flag draped casket were those of fallen warriors returning for burial from Viet Nam.  Images still pass through my thoughts of air plane hangers lined with dozens of flag draped caskets awaiting transport to their families.......I will never forget that image.  I was ignorant at that time of the true significance of the U.S. Flag-Folding Ceremony that is performed at the conclusion of the burial of those who have honorably served in uniform.  My heart was deeply touched once I learned the true meaning of each of the thirteen folds and share it with you below.  Whether you're reading about it here for the first time or have read it before, I believe the Flag-Folding Ceremony will bless you and impress upon your heart the importance of sincerely remembering Memorial Day..... because the freedoms you and I enjoy were and always will be very costly......they are not free!..........

The U.S. Flag-Folding Ceremony

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks 

who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace through the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature;

as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him

we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war,

 for His Divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country,
for in the words of Stephen Decatur,

"Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right,

but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie.

It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag

of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, 

one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through

the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag
against all enemies,

whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the 

valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, 

and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother's day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through 

their faith, love and loyalty and devotion that the character

of the men and women who
have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too,
has given his sons and daughters

for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens,
represents the lower portion

of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes,

 the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents and emblem

of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes,
God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.

The thirteenth fold, the flag is completely folded,

the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto,

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

My prayer for my nation......

Father, my heart cries for an mighty outpouring of your Spirit upon this nation.  Forgive us, oh Lord, for our lethargy and indifference to You and Your immeasurable Mercies and Grace so lavishly bestowed by your hand. You and You alone are the One True and Living God and have so graciously and faithfully heaped blessings upon blessings upon us!  Your Hand has established us, blessed us, prospered, guided, protected and defended the United States of America!  May our hearts burn for You and Your ways.  I pray that American hearts turn from all other gods, distractions and the spirits of this age that have so subtly enticed, deceived and drawn us away from the God of our founding fathers.   Forgive us, extend your Mercy to us and help us Lord!  Heal, cleanse and restore our land as we turn from our wicked ways and cry out to You!  From the White House to every house may a deep insatiable hunger and thirst for Righteousness break forth!.......From border to border and sea to shining sea may we behold your Glory upon the United States of America, Oh God!

In the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray!  Amen!!

God Bless America!