Alabama Governor Robert Bentley Wednesday ordered the confederate stars-and-bars
battle flag removed from the Alabama Capitol in Montgomery. The governor’s action echoes sentiment sweeping across deep South states in the wake of the murders of nine Blacks at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina last week.
Racists and hard-nosed confederate sympathizers claim the Rebel Flag symbolizes the heritage and pride associated with the Old South’s Civil War Confederacy (a war they lost, you recall).
The Confederate battle flag (which differs from the official Confederate flag) did not
become a part of any deep South state flag until 1961. Not 1861, 1961, flying above the South Carolina capitol in Charleston. It was a symbol of massive resistance to the federal government intrusion and racial desegregation.
The Rebel Flag has become a symbol of white supremacy, racism and hate. It has no place in our society. We will never enjoy peace and harmony in our diverse culture unless we eliminate every vestige of racism, hate and discrimination and the symbols that fuel their prejudices.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:2-6
God’s desire for His children has never changed. He wants ALL his children to live in peace with one another.
Dear God, make the stars and bars disappear from this land. May all your children in America come to unity of faith in Jesus Christ under the Stars and Stripes.
Enjoyed reading your thoughts. I appreciated one of your readers comments (Butch Dean): “the need for heart surgery,” rather than climbing a flagpole and removing a flag that few paid that much attention to, until… In Seattle, the Mayor (who is homosexual), gave an executive order to paint a street for several blocks with the gay pride rainbow colors–to last for 5 years. So if a Christian were to erase, repaint, organize a political outcry, they would be arrested for bigotry. So as one of your commenters said, “removing symbols” won’t change a thing. It only shines a spotlight on unrest and not the key to correcting of the social unrest [ or an answer to man’s sinful nature].
Thanks Steven for your consistent blogging on this site. I look forward to your dedication everyday.
LikeLike
Thank you, word detective. I agree wholeheartedly with what you say, and what Butch said. As a matter of fact, your comments and his inspired me to write another blog post this week about the real need we all have (heart surgery) if we are ever going to experience peace or unity or justice for all. It will have to come from God. Thank you for your loyal readership. It is because of readers and comments like yours that keep inspiring me to keep writing. Thank you again, and God bless.
LikeLike
I did not know that about the confederate flag…interesting!
LikeLike
Removing symbols will not change anything…it would be like putting band-aids on cancer. The core problem is the need for heart surgery to cut out the hate and bigotry…only Jesus can do that. Be well, my brother-in-Christ.
LikeLiked by 2 people