“It happened that four lepers were sitting just outside the city gate. They said to one another, “What are we doing sitting here at death’s door? If we enter the famine-struck city, we’ll die; if we stay here, we’ll die. So let’s take our chances in the camp of Aram and throw ourselves on their mercy. If they receive us, we’ll live. If they kill us, we’ll die. We’ve got nothing to lose.” So after the sun went down, they got up and went to the camp of Aram. When they got to the edge of the camp, surprise! Not a man in the camp! The Master had made the army of Aram hear the sound of horses and a mighty army on the march. They told one another, “The king of Israel hired the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to attack us!” Panicked, they ran for their lives through the darkness, abandoning tents, horses, donkeys—the whole camp just as it was—running for dear life. These four lepers entered the camp and went into a tent. First, they ate and drank. Then they grabbed silver, gold, and clothing, and went off and hid it. They came back, entered another tent, and looted it, again hiding their plunder. Finally they said to one another, “We shouldn’t be doing this! This is a day of good news and we’re making it into a private party! If we wait around until morning, we’ll get caught and punished. Come on! Let’s go tell the news to the king’s palace!” (2 Kings 7:3-9 The Message Bible)
Our voices sing loud, our anthem held dear, “…and the home of the brave.”
Wouldn’t it be nice if we were brave enough to righteously behave?
Don’t we wish this meant to be daring to do what is right in the sight of heaven?
“…and the home of the brave.” Sure would be nice if that meant to love everybody, understanding the love from above that we’ve been given.
Singing at every game and at other gatherings, “…and the home of the brave;” that’s the phrase we embrace.
But don’t you wish that implied that “all” means “all” and all people, blessed by God’s grace, would treat everybody right, with an absence of any thought of color or race.
When our ears hear others sing those words, ingrained in our memories when we were little school children, “…and the home of the brave,”
It would be great if those lyrics went beyond words coming from our mouth, and they would go through the prism of justice for all, seeing from the same perspective as the One who came to save?
What if “…and the home of the brave,” were not mere words discounted by people acting blindly and wrongly at times, according to political affiliation. What if were words were sang with open eyes, open eyes, and obvious actions based on Divine association.
“…and the home of the brave,” oh I wish this meant folks were courageous enough to right the wrongs that linger from the past, and equal rights would not just be jargon, but a living legend that will continually last!
“…and the home of the brave.” Don’t you think this has nothing to do with violent reaction, but rather it be intended to refer to the three Divine principles: love, forgiveness, and quick reconciliation?
If only “…and home of the brave” moved those seen by themselves as the powerful would bravely display power that was aligned with the all-powerful, sovereign God we serve. Would not “we, the people” see righteous based laws; laws we rightfully deserve? Would not division surrender and be replaced by an atmosphere of peace and harmony; something desired by you and me?
Oh if only the composer of that star spangled anthem had explained “…and the home of the brave,” by adding some lyrics that said, “I’m going to treat everybody right,” would not our world present to heaven a better view, a most pleasing sight?
Now listen! I did not just wake up in a poetic mood! I was inspired to write something to put on your heart to be brave today in a God-conscious way! Be brave, love one another! Be brave, admit every fault and do the things you ought! Be brave, trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding! Be brave like the four lepers in the opening verses! Go ahead brave one! Have a great day! Be blessed!
“And all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the LORD.” (I Chronicles 16:36b NKJV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King