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I recently made a couple of new friends on Government Street. Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Dick Coffee, retired Air Force, and Mr. Gwyn Howard, retired Marine Corps. (I know. "Once a Marine, always a Marine.") These military veterans, one in his seventies and one in his eighties, stand in front of Government Plaza every day during lunch. What do they do? They hold the American flag and wave at people. Mr. Howard (no relation) told me that he shows up every day for his grandson, who is in high school. He said he and his flag partner like reminding people what an extraordinary country we still have. So many people go about their business without remembering, he said. So, he and Mr. Coffee wave Old Glory and chat with whoever stops for a moment. Interestingly, such a simple thing can generate spontaneous emotions in people. As I chatted with the gentlemen, people smiled, waved, and blew their horns in support. Of what? Two retirees and some pieces of cloth. Well, yes. But both the men and the flags they carry represent so much more. We could probably list a hundred things that these flags represent. You might say freedom, peace, liberty, second chances, and so much more. Some may see negatives in the flag, as well. But no matter what, it is easily recognized worldwide, representing the United States of America and its citizens. What do these veterans represent? Wisdom, honor, persistence, altruism, loving a cause bigger than themselves. When these men served in the military, I am sure they faced both good and evil. But their bad experiences didn't surpass the love they had for their country. On the contrary, they learned to cherish it even more through the battles they faced. Do you wear a cross around your neck? Emblazoned on a t-shirt? Inked on your skin? What does it represent? Sacrifice, freedom, love, grace, mercy. It is also recognized worldwide, as a symbol of Christianity -- of Jesus. We may not wave our crosses on downtown sidewalks every day, but we represent Jesus, too. The cross also symbolizes something bigger than ourselves, something we could never have earned on our own. Before, and even while, we have been Christians, we have enjoyed good times and endured difficult experiences. I pray that our faith remains so deeply rooted and steadfast that we never see the bad overtake the good. Just as David prayed in Psalm 60, I pray that we will not stop calling out to God when we are going through hard times. May He answer us and deliver us. And, may we have the strength and conviction to share God’s love everywhere from the battlefield to the sidewalk.
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