The Sounds and Symbols of Our Life

All through our lives we put meaning into many of the things we hear and see.  Sounds could be human, nature, music etc.  Symbols could be of faith, sports, geography, industry or a cause etc.  What do these things say about us?  Do we change our minds as we mature?

For instance, I am writing this on flag day.  Our flag is a symbol of our country, the United States of America.  Many of us were born here and we are proud of this great land.   Many laid down their lives for this country and the flag stands for their sacrifice and the freedoms we enjoy.  Many of us can have a strong connection to symbols, they visually speak of who we are.

Sounds can be precious, if you can hear sound you are blessed, some cannot.  Some sounds are soothing to our soul but on the other hand, some sounds set us on edge.  Some are blessings and some sounds of violence and anger move us to a place of fear and anxiety.

I can’t talk about what others like, I can only talk about myself, so here goes.

I love:  the sounds of the voices of my family, friends and many spiritual leaders; the sound of children especially their laughter; the sounds of nature so awesome, I hear God in it; the sound of beautiful music, especially music that praises the Lord; people singing especially my daughter; musical instruments, especially played by my children and grandchildren; the sound of people praising the Lord in a free society.  Oh, how beautiful and what a blessing!

As far as symbols, I honor the cross and the flag of this country.  These two symbols have profound meaning to me.  I think many people pass through this life for just the fun they can get out of it, but many of us are called to something more.  For me the cross as well as the flag, stand for extreme sacrifice so I may have the ability to say what I please, worship my God without persecution and live out my life and faith in freedom.  I wonder if others take the time to think of what Christ had to go through when they wear the symbol of a cross around their neck, or realize how many precious men and women died for the flag they hang up on the holidays?  God willing, we will always have these freedoms in this country.  Symbols tell other people where your heart is.  As we mature, we often have time to learn more about the symbols of industry, sports and causes and find out that leadership changes etc.  has caused what you once believed to be family and faith friendly quite the opposite; so again, we have to re-evaluate.

Can you imagine living in a society where you are told what you can listen to, or what you are allowed to like or worship?  The sounds and symbols of our lives are a precious privilege.  The ability to have such a privilege is a gift from God and the people that fought for these privileges. 

As I sit in my office typing this blog on Flag day, I’m hearing the birds through the screen door and the music from my wall clock (it plays a different tune every hour).  I have talked on the phone to dear friends and family members and I think to myself, how precious are these things to me? What would life be here on earth without them?  The best things of life were bought with a price.  To keep us free to enjoy these things, we may have to stand up for them.  We may have to voice our likes and dislikes, just as people have had to do all through history.

  I found many wonderful quotes to add to this blog, I hope they inspire you.

“If Christianity was intended to be convenient, it wouldn’t have been built on crosses and martyrs.” David Thompson

“God’s presence and glory aren’t stumbled onto by happenstance, nor are they found by the casual seeker.  They’re discovered when sought after, with passion and intentionality.”  From the book, The Pleasure of His Company, by Dutch Sheets

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”  President Thomas Jefferson

“I see America, not in the setting sun of a black night of despair ahead of us, I see America in the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the burning, creative hand of God.  I see great days ahead, great days possible to men and women of will and vision.”  Carl Sandburg

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.  We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”  Ronald Reagan

Know God hears our prayers, without Him the history of mankind would neither exist nor would we be able to enjoy things like the sounds and symbols of our life.  God is showing up!  He IS working through many people.  You may have to listen to Christian news channels to hear the good news of today, but there is so much hope and many things to be thankful for. 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I love this quote from Henry Ford it fits today.

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”  Henry Ford

Prayer

Lord may our prayers soar to heaven against the winds of doubt, confusion and evil. Lord, we know you love us and you love our country.  Show us what we can do to keep the freedom to speak, worship and live as we choose.  Help us to remember the sacrifice our favorite symbols represent.  Thank you for dying on the cross to give us the freedom to live forgiven and loved.  We lift up to you those who lost precious family members who were protecting this nation and our flag.  May we never take for granted the precious sounds we enjoy and the beauty we see, for from great pain, beauty is born.  Thank you, Lord, for your word says you have plans to prosper us, not to harm us and to give us hope and a future.  Open our hearts to receive your word and give us the boldness we need to continue the good fight.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

God Bless

Sally