By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

It is no secret that there is turmoil in our nation.  The word “disrespect” is probably one of the most used words in today’s language.  Allow me to add my two cents.  This picture is an enormous depiction of the “Star Spangled Banner”, the flag that inspired our national anthem.  Both this model and that original flag are displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.  And they are just a couple of examples of the patriotism on display there.

Patriotism is a beautiful thing.  I believe in it and I love to see it happening.  However, patriotism will not save a soul.  Our national anthem is sung as a reminder of the greatness of this nation and those who fought and died to keep us free.  However, that great song will not save a soul.  Our flag, whether flying clear and crisp, torn and tattered, or folded neatly in the proper triangular form and handed to a soldier’s widow at his grave, is to be respected, saluted, and pledged to.  However, that flag will never save a soul.

The rampant disrespect is not really against those things.  It is completely against those who stood and fought, and especially those who never had the chance to return home from battle.

I’ve told you all before that I promised myself several years ago that I would not let these emails become a political forum, and I’ve kept that promise.  This isn’t about politics, who is in office, or anything else of the sort.  This nation is hemorrhaging because some individuals who make entirely too much money have mistakenly assumed that they know what’s best for the rest of us.  And they couldn’t be more wrong.  It isn’t one knee that needs to be taken.  It is two.

The Bible reminds us that one day every knee will bow in respect to God the Father. EVERY knee.  We each have two.  Take a stand for what is right and against what is disrespectful, but take two knees and pray that God Himself will forgive the ignorance.

Just a thought.