I refuse.
Recently I’ve seen multiple articles where flying the flag is viewed as divisive. If you fly the flag, one person said, it screams racism, white privilege, elitism.
Oh, heck no.
My parents came to the US as immigrants. I watched them go through the process of becoming citizens and on the day it happened, we threw a party. It was a grand celebration. They were Dutch Americans, and so proud.
When my Haitian children came to the US and received their US Citizenship papers, it was a celebration. They were Haitian Americans, and so proud.
We flew the flag. We flew it proudly. For many reasons. We flew it because of the past – because American troops laid down their lives to help free my mom from a Japanese concentration camp at the end of World War II. We flew it because of the present – we were proud to be part of a country that gave us an avenue to become citizens. We flew it for the simple reason that we love this country.
And so I refuse to be ashamed.
The flag represents the profound physical beauty of this country – the mountains, valleys, cities, shores, farmland…
The flag represents the freedom of multiple fractions of people expressing vastly different views – and still standing together because of that freedom to do so.
The flag represents the countless men and women of every color and nationality who have laid down their lives for noble purposes, to fight battles, stand for the weak, serve their country.
The flag represents the ongoing fight to fix injustice, buoy equality, strengthen and equip the poor and forgotten.
The flag represents the beauty of looking at our country’s history and righting wrongs, but not completely negating the things we did right.
When we make the flag the symbol of hatred, we suffer a massive identity crisis that actually takes away our freedom to keep fighting for good.
I refuse.
I will not let other people tell me that it’s somehow wrong to love my country. I can disagree with her, but I will not abandon her. God planted me here and I will fight for her. I will stand with her and not against her as she goes through these growing pains. I will do my part to right injustice. I will battle racism. I will love the poor. I will live my love for Jesus and people. And I will do that all under the flag of the beautiful melting pot that is the United States of America.
Our flag should represent unity, not division.
In this home it is so, and I will fly her high.
24 Responses
Made me tear up.
Thank you, Enno! Love you!!
Well, I could not love this any MORE!! Beautiful. Heartfelt and TRUE. THANKYOU. From a fellow flag waving patriot❣️❣️
Thank you, Holly!
Love this post!
Thank you!
YOU GO GIRL – I’M WITH YOU ALL THE WAY.
and photo is filled with love for our country and your precious family
Thank you – can’t wait to see you soon!
Thank you so much you beautiful woman for writing such a beautiful story of our flag of our country and our freedom’s. I wish I had the elegant words that you use God truly has blessed you
Thanks so much, Lorraine!
Thank you!!! God Bless America, land that I love.
Thank you, Holly!
What an awesome post!! Thank you, Elsa, for expressing what so few of us can but so many of us feel!
Thanks so much, Terri!
Right on, Elsa!
Thanks, Pam!
Thank you Elsa! I am an immigrant. I was born in Germany. My father was an American Soldier and .my mother was German. I was adopted in Germany. It took my parents several years and several thousand dollars in 1953 to emigrate to the U.S. We were very grateful to be here. I became a citizen in the 60’s. You have a wonderful family!
My husband and I facilitated DivorceCare groups twice a year for 15 years. We treasure your input in the series. Tragically he went home to be with the Lord last September.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family!
Kris Stanek
What a wonderful story! Thank you for responding!
I love this post Elsa; so beautifully said. Love you lots!!
Thank you, Lindsay! 🙂
Amen, Sister!
Thank you, Bekah!
YAY to the Red, White and Blue!! I love America and our flag! Living overseas for awhile, I would get teary eyed hearing our Country’s Anthem. We do live in the best country of all! God Bless America!
Thank you for responding, Christine! Amen!