Some years ago while vacationing in Oregon, my wife and I drove along the coastal highway to relive the fond memories of childhood at the ocean beaches. As we drove and enjoyed the scenery, we welcomed the most beautiful sight of the entire trip: an American bald eagle, ever so graceful in flight.
The eagle is an American symbol of freedom, pride and strength. To be able to see an eagle in flight touched my heart as my mind wandered from thought to thought. Having remembered the attack upon our nation on 9/11, the eagle reminded me of exactly how strong America is when her people stand united.
I am a very patriotic person having served my country in the United States Air Force. I am also a Vietnam veteran. My eyes well with tears whenever I hear the national anthem, and no matter where I may be I will stand in reverence and awe. I still pledge my allegiance to the flag of the United States of America as one nation, under God, and I consider it to be one of the greatest privileges of my life to have been born in this nation. Any man or woman can be whatever they want to be. The American dream still lives on in the heart of those who desire a better life. We are limited only by our imagination and determination.
Though the stock market may be at its highest point ever in American history, there are still many people who are living in hard economic times. Grocery prices are high. Gas prices are high and for many people it may seem that we’re in some sort of a recession. Others may think of it as a depression. Regardless of what it is that we are facing, I see people suffering and despondent from the burdens they carry, and I know there are people who go to bed hungry at night. My heart goes out to them because the best we can sometimes do is to offer a prayer to those who are hurting.
In these difficult times, when spirits are sometimes low, I am reminded of the prophet Isaiah, who wrote: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and faint” (Isaiah 40: 3 ).
What else can we do in difficult times but wait on the Lord? Waiting is hard to do, yet we have no other choice. However, we can rest assured that God knows where we are individually, and as a nation. His promise to those who wait (rest in him) is that their strength shall be renewed, and they shall mount up on wings like an eagle
My prayer is that the people of this nation will, once again, turn their hearts to God because he is our strength. Without him we can do nothing; but we can do all things through him. How high we can fly is determined by our fellowship with him.
Jerry L. Dunn is pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church, 605 E. Oak St., Kingman
