Good morning! What a beautiful read. I love the imagery of ironing out the flag as we iron out the many wrinkles that our interpretations of these American texts have collected over the years. Yes, to holding on to these symbols and these words, American ones and Christian ones, and trusting that it is the wrestling that makes them strong (rather than brittle up in the attic) and the ironing that allows us to see what they mean. I am a Presbyterian Pastor, and also get IRON hot about the "plain text" vs "slippery slope" framing that makes the Bible all wrinkly. So, I was intrigued when last year my feisty Rabbi friend Michael Holzman asked "Becs, what are you doing on July 4th 2026?" ... this was last year... I didn't know what I was doing that Tuesday. He said "What if we got all the faith leaders to study our quote unquote sacred American texts like we study Torah, Bible or Koran...then had a big potluck around the 250th birthday of the country, instead of whatever cage match Trump might be planning?" I said "I am IN!" It's called faith250. And, now 27 cities have clusters of clergy and their congregations gathering across many lines of difference to really STUDY these American texts. Lots of Lovely Lutherans involved! The Washington Post just wrote about it. Any readers or YOU, dear Nadia, are welcomed to use the materials. Clergy are busy - so just hit print - the questions lead to the deep conversation, like Cokesbury but for spicy Patriots :) -- Here's the website. https://faith250.org
This perfectly encapsulates how I've been feeling--and why it feels so good to see all the American flags, clerical collars, and scriptural texts at the No Kings and other rallies in my part of the country. Sending prayers that you will continue to find small bits of joy and rest in these difficult days.
Totally with you. The Resister Sisters (Prayer Shawl Ministry with attitude) would love to send you a shawl, or sit with you in grief and love. Just know we in Asheville, North Carolina, are with you. Judy Wilson 💜🤗
I love this post. I want to buy and display a flag but I don’t want to be associated with him whose name must not be said. Perhaps I should find one now and hang it upside down. I’m so sorry about your dad. Having experienced loss in my life I know there is nothing I can say to make it better. I am just realizing the 40th anniversary of my dad’s death is coming on April 29 or 30th. I can never remember. My dad was a WW2 vet and fought his way across Italy, France, and Germany. When the war ended he was fighting SS troops in the Bavarian alps. He was 21. Thank you Nadia for the encouragement you have been in my life. Blessings on you and your family.
well said, as you I love what Amirica could be. I was in the army many years and am proud of my service. I also worked as social worker for 30 years at the VA and college professor and have seen a lot of the best and worst in us. I have been sober and active in AA for 44 years. I love God/Creator and what we can be. Marty Pentz
Great points, but another part of this puzzle is how much you love your father.
Here’s a similar story:
Dad was the guy who didn’t talk about his service in World War II because he served in the US. According to him, if you didn’t go Over There, you didn’t really serve. Mr. I Didn’t Really Serve insisted he not have a flag over his coffin. That’s why, when I walked into the funeral home, I was surprised to see one flowing across Dad’s box, a site I consider one of the most poignant in all of this mortal existence. I greeted Mom and gently expressed my surprise at the flag, since I knew Dad’s wishes.
“Yeah” Mom said after a long pause. “Tough. It will give us something to talk about the next time I see him.”
Just the spiritual AND patriotic lightning bolt that I needed. Thank you for always shining light on the path. Sending love, peace, and comfort to you and your family.♥️🙏⚡️
Thank God you are still here. This post was stunning. I have not been able to put my frustrations with status quo into words and feelings. You also supported my belief in how we read and interpret our Bible. You’ve done all that, and more! Thanks be to God.
Good morning! What a beautiful read. I love the imagery of ironing out the flag as we iron out the many wrinkles that our interpretations of these American texts have collected over the years. Yes, to holding on to these symbols and these words, American ones and Christian ones, and trusting that it is the wrestling that makes them strong (rather than brittle up in the attic) and the ironing that allows us to see what they mean. I am a Presbyterian Pastor, and also get IRON hot about the "plain text" vs "slippery slope" framing that makes the Bible all wrinkly. So, I was intrigued when last year my feisty Rabbi friend Michael Holzman asked "Becs, what are you doing on July 4th 2026?" ... this was last year... I didn't know what I was doing that Tuesday. He said "What if we got all the faith leaders to study our quote unquote sacred American texts like we study Torah, Bible or Koran...then had a big potluck around the 250th birthday of the country, instead of whatever cage match Trump might be planning?" I said "I am IN!" It's called faith250. And, now 27 cities have clusters of clergy and their congregations gathering across many lines of difference to really STUDY these American texts. Lots of Lovely Lutherans involved! The Washington Post just wrote about it. Any readers or YOU, dear Nadia, are welcomed to use the materials. Clergy are busy - so just hit print - the questions lead to the deep conversation, like Cokesbury but for spicy Patriots :) -- Here's the website. https://faith250.org
That looks amazing!
Thank you 🩵 I have sent this to my ELCA pastor (campus ministry even!) in Ann Arbor 😇
thank YOU!
Thanks so much!
Thank you for articulating what so many of us feel. Even as you mourn your dad you are giving us all hope.❤️
This perfectly encapsulates how I've been feeling--and why it feels so good to see all the American flags, clerical collars, and scriptural texts at the No Kings and other rallies in my part of the country. Sending prayers that you will continue to find small bits of joy and rest in these difficult days.
May you find peace and support today in all the ways as you and your family honor your father.
Your post has given me some peace and resolve as I start my day.
Thank you and love. 🫶
Totally with you. The Resister Sisters (Prayer Shawl Ministry with attitude) would love to send you a shawl, or sit with you in grief and love. Just know we in Asheville, North Carolina, are with you. Judy Wilson 💜🤗
Judy Wilson I'm in Asheville too! Please tell me about the prayer shawl ministry.
Contact me at judycrochets1113@gmail.com
I love this post. I want to buy and display a flag but I don’t want to be associated with him whose name must not be said. Perhaps I should find one now and hang it upside down. I’m so sorry about your dad. Having experienced loss in my life I know there is nothing I can say to make it better. I am just realizing the 40th anniversary of my dad’s death is coming on April 29 or 30th. I can never remember. My dad was a WW2 vet and fought his way across Italy, France, and Germany. When the war ended he was fighting SS troops in the Bavarian alps. He was 21. Thank you Nadia for the encouragement you have been in my life. Blessings on you and your family.
I wish 90 minutes and an iron were all it would take to work the kinks out of the rest of America.
You captured my thoughts exactly. Thank you. And how especially meaningful to prepare the flag for your father's service. Peace.
I'm with Nadia! God Save our Country!
well said, as you I love what Amirica could be. I was in the army many years and am proud of my service. I also worked as social worker for 30 years at the VA and college professor and have seen a lot of the best and worst in us. I have been sober and active in AA for 44 years. I love God/Creator and what we can be. Marty Pentz
Great points, but another part of this puzzle is how much you love your father.
Here’s a similar story:
Dad was the guy who didn’t talk about his service in World War II because he served in the US. According to him, if you didn’t go Over There, you didn’t really serve. Mr. I Didn’t Really Serve insisted he not have a flag over his coffin. That’s why, when I walked into the funeral home, I was surprised to see one flowing across Dad’s box, a site I consider one of the most poignant in all of this mortal existence. I greeted Mom and gently expressed my surprise at the flag, since I knew Dad’s wishes.
“Yeah” Mom said after a long pause. “Tough. It will give us something to talk about the next time I see him.”
From https://sixoclocksky.com/2025/12/12/dad/
Just the spiritual AND patriotic lightning bolt that I needed. Thank you for always shining light on the path. Sending love, peace, and comfort to you and your family.♥️🙏⚡️
This is beautiful. Thank you. And thank you for still being here.
Would you consider running for office?? 😂 We need public servants who actually get what America is about!
At the age of 70, I tear up singing the Star Spangled Banner and I teared up reading today's sermon. Thank you very much!
Thank God you are still here. This post was stunning. I have not been able to put my frustrations with status quo into words and feelings. You also supported my belief in how we read and interpret our Bible. You’ve done all that, and more! Thanks be to God.