Two Flags

Two Flags

Flags can create controversy. They can be used as  symbols of hatred, and they can be used as symbols for things other than that for which they stand. On Freedom Weekend (July 4-5, 2015) I preached on the two flags which stand to the left and right of the pulpit in my church. I share my sermon with you and my thoughts on how they stand in relationship with each other. 

Mark 12: 13-17

“Two Flags”

Two flags stand at the front of this great hall; one, a flag representing freedom and honor; the other, a flag representing love and community. Each flag is sewn from the threads of time and bear the scars of that for which it stands; sacred symbols for those who pledged their allegiance to its cause and those who worshiped its spirit.

Two flags borne from persecution and oppression, both a symbol of the greater good to come to all who respected it and who flew it with all good purpose in mind.

The first flag representing freedom and honor, came into being during the darkest period of our nation's birth history, in 1777. Its designer was a man whose family motto; “Always Ready” exemplified the spirit of its creation. Throughout the years it has changed in design when states were admitted into the union. The only constant, the thirteen stripes representing the original 13 colonies who sought separation from king and empire.

120 years later, in 1897, an impromptu gathering of a Methodist youth group led to the creation of the Christian flag. Though it was not borne out of the present persecution of its creator, it was representative of the sacrifice paid forward and symbolized by a red cross, representing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A pledge of allegiance was written “to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands; one fellowship uniting all in service and in love.”

These two flags cannot stand without the other, and though they are intentionally separate from the other, they prove to be equal in the eyes of the beholder.

Our nation has been strengthen by the values represented in each flag. Only when one is said to be more important than the other or more emphasis is placed on one over the other, are we weakened.  We live by the laws of freedom exemplified in the one flag (of country), and we live by the principles of justice and mercy exemplified in the other flag (of God).  

In this sanctuary, the sacred Christian flag of God stands in front of the secular American flag of country, intentionally, signifying the greater being, our creator, who we worship. Outside of this building the American flag stands before the Christian flag to honor the freedom we so cherish as a diverse and religiously free people.

Two flags stand before us this day, one representing kingdom and one representing empire, together they reside in harmony for as long as we believe the words of Jesus, “to that which is Caesar’s we give to Caesar, and to that which is God we give to God.” To know the difference is indeed a blessing.

Plastic Soul

    

PLASTIC SOUL

     

        Son (DJ)                Father (Glen A.)

     "Plastic soul, man, plastic soul." With this utterance (studio chat during the recording of Rubber Soul), Sir Paul McCartney celebrated one small step for recorded music, one giant leap for rock 'n roll. My father, an accomplished saxophonist and the lead singer for a touring orchestra (Don Grimm Orchestra) in Ohio during the 1930's, gave the Beatles little more than a year, calling their music a fad. He watched the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, after which he made his famous prediction. To the contrary, my generation thought their music was simply fab and we spent as much of our own and our parents money (allowances, if we were lucky) to prove it! And the generational music wars began for our generation. Not only did the Beatles shake things up culturally, Elvis Presley did the same for my older brothers. More importantly, Elvis helped meld country with rhythm and blues, specifically black and white musicians coming together creating a new sound in Memphis, TN. an example of which is the music of Booker T. & The MG's and later, Big Star.   
      Music has always been a common link within generations and among generations of people. Electricity allowed music to get louder and to be transmitted through the airwaves. Vinyl was the media used, radio was the medium employed. In the movie, "The Graduate", a young college graduate portrayed by Dustin Hoffman was encouraged to think about his future (but not until he enjoyed the summer after his graduation); The business partner (Mr. McGuire) of Benjamin's (Dustin Hoffman) father comments to Benjamin, "I want to say one word to you. Just one word." To which Benjamin replies, "Yes sir", continuing with the following dialogue: "Are you listening?" "Yes I am. "PLASTICS." "Exactly how do you mean?" Benjamin replies, to which Mr. McGuire says, "There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?" Indeed there has been a great future in plastics and petroleum, which is another story for another time.

      I have been downloading purchased music of a recently released UK series called "Ultimate Rock" (Ultimate Rock, Ultimate 80's; you get the picture). One of the sides I downloaded presented the music of Korn, Wheatus, Screaming Trees, Good Charlotte, The Only Ones and others; well, you get where I'm going with this. Dozens upon dozens of musical groups and talent unheard of by my generation, and unrecognized. But as I listen to these groups I think, "plastic soul, man", as these groups are making music and continuing the tradition my father shared with so many others in the swing era, and which I so humbly continue every Sunday when I play my trumpet and cornet, as an accompaniment to our church organ while the congregation sings the gospel hits of yesteryear.