My day was moving fast paced, productive but fast. I am learning (as in Holy Spirit is gently teaching me) how to give myself fully to each task at hand, no matter how tedious or unpreferred of a chore. I am well versed in rushing to and from one place, task and assignment to another. Giving myself over fully to anything takes great effort and being very concientious as I complete. Today was no different. As I prepared my children for school, breakfast, carpool, chores, you know the like, I was running straight into my weight training time. As I went to get my sweat on, a pause (the wooing of stillness God draws me to). What was my body needing in that moment? My mind? Slllllloooooowwww down. I heeded to the pause and sat. I began breathing deep and allowed myself the greatest workout of all, REST. I moved my body ever so slowly, taking the time to really breathe, stretch, ponder, reflect and feel the sensations being observed and released. As I looked up out the window, the American flag waving in the wind across from my home caught my eye. This was not the typical flag I see but the one with 13 stars circled. I do not believe it was the detail that necessarily caught my eye more than the flag itself. America was on my heart, in my mind, and on my tongue in prayer. America holds destiny for the nations, the Ekklesia and yes for you and me personally. I’m drawn to America, the same way I was drawn to the flag in this moment. As I move and flow with my body and the many different stretching postures, another view of my own personal flag hanging off our front porch swaying in the wind. She’s beautiful. She’s important. And “she” ain’t done yet!! (ha yes I did reference America as a her, humor me š
You’re a grand old flag. You’re a high flying flag. And forever in peace may you wave. You’re the emblem of the land I love. The home of the free and the brave.
You’re A Grand Ole Flag Lyrics
America has yet to fulfill her destiny! Each one of us in Christ carries a piece of her destiny forward. What is America’s destiny? America was established for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ! God has good plans for the United States of America. She simply needs some good ol’ TLC, well maybe, oh most certainly too a VERY awakened church to be the light of Christ in a dark and hurting world! I wonder when you see the flag what your thoughts may be about the future of our country with you enlightened and awakened? What is your part in seeing America fulfill the great commission?
Isaiah 43:12 I have declared the future and saved the nation and proclaimed that I am God.
Amplified Bible
Ashley Shuell, Journalist for Jesus āļø
A.R.I.S.E from ash 