Soaring, Freedom and Faith!

Since 1782, the Bald Eagle has been the national bird of the United States of America. Many believe that the Founders made an appropriate choice because of the eagle’s majestic beauty, powerful strength, and fierce independence. It is likely that our forefathers borrowed the treasured emblem from the Native Americans who revered the Bald Eagle and its feathers in their traditions, culture, and religion. To them and patriotic Americans as well, this beloved symbol represents courage, honesty, truth, wisdom, and freedom.

Lincoln In Lincoln, Illinois!
Lincoln, Illinois, has distinguished itself for being the only city in the United States to be named after Abraham Lincoln before he would become the Sixteenth President in 1861. Lincoln helped to found the city in 1853 and christened it with watermelon juice. To this day, the downtown Train Depot marks the christening with a historical plaque and a small “watermelon monument.” Lincoln, Illinois was the setting for numerous visits by Abraham Lincoln who practiced law in Logan County. One of Lincoln’s most notable visits was the senatorial debate he had with Stephen F. Douglas in 1858.

During a recent visit to the city of Lincoln, I noted a new and engaging mural that had been painted on the front end of a small strip-shopping area. It depicts a serious portrait of Abraham Lincoln with the background of Illinois prairie, and a top-hatted Lincoln on horseback. And then there was a prominent Bald Eagle soaring into the mural frame from the right. The impressive and expansive work (900 square feet!) is eye-catching! This original design is entitled, Abraham Lincoln: Honesty Under Pressure. It was inspired by three out-of-state educators and artists: Rebecca and Stephen Whitman along with Bruce Greig. The Whitman's and Greig reside in Vestal, New York, and they use their art to heal, love, and inspire. (Backstory)

The United States, with its unique and diverse geography, continues to inspire works of art that tell compelling stories of courage, independence, and freedom. We are blessed and this fall harvest season has made me thankful again to live in such a setting as described in the great hymn, America the Beautiful. We live “on the fruited plain” in Central Illinois. Corn and soybean fields are only a block away from our home! It is here that we regularly exclaim with gratitude, “O beautiful for spacious skies for amber waves of grain!”

In the “Land of Lincoln” we love the Bald Eagles that habitat the towering bluffs of Grafton and other locations along our rivers. We cherish the Lincoln sites all around the Capitol of Springfield, Illinois. We are proud to be Americans. This is a blessing that we do not take lightly. On this recent Veterans Day commemoration, we have been reminded that many men and women of our armed forces work tirelessly day and night to defend the freedoms that we citizens too often take for granted. This is a time to be thankful for the sacrifices that are being made for you and me.

There is a favorite Bible verse that reminds us that the eagle is a strong symbol of our faith as well. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NLT). What does it mean to soar on wings like eagles? This simile is used in Scripture to teach and remind us that the image of a soaring eagle bolsters our faith. When we are weak, feeling defeated, and in need of renewal, we trust in the God of strength, comfort, and infinite wisdom.

Those who follow NASCAR racing know the term, “drafting.” It’s when one race car follows closely behind another to get a boost in speed. The reduced air resistance creates a vacuum and pull. Believers, let’s get in the “draft” behind our Lord and soar in Him!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
©2018-2024 All rights reserved.
Serve by Design. mjkministries.com

 

 

 

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