The Legacy of Words-A Christmas Card - Jewell Utt

Words are important. They can reassure us when we begin to question our history.

The founding principles of our nation and the beliefs held by those in authority would be lost, but for the legacy of words. Popular opinion today would tell a far different story than history reveals. It would boast of a nation not founded on Biblical principles, but one supportive of all sinful behavior. The truth is our past held a rich heritage of faith in God. And America was a safe haven for religious freedom.

The Pledge of Allegiance was a generic writing by Francis Bellamy. His hope was that it could be used by citizens from any nation. It was originally published in 1892, in a magazine titled The Youth’s Companion.  We formally adopted it as our nation’s salute in 1923 and added the words, “The Flag of the United States of America.”  In 1954, the pledge was further tailored towards the principles of the USA adding “Under God”  to the 31 word pledge we say today.

1892 original: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands…”

1923 addition: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands…”

This change occurred;  in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words “Under God.”[1] 

This statement raised my eyebrow. The threat of the day caused our nation’s authority to  declare God as our sovereign leader to the world. We humbled ourselves as a nation and gave credit right where it belonged. We could have said one nation under a Democratic Republic, one nation under a Unified Democracy, One nation Freely United, etc, etc, etc…But we chose the words “UNDER GOD” and we were blessed for many years.

This didn’t occur without opposition. The very daughter of the author objected. Yet, instead of  being politically correct and appeasing the one, we chose to follow through and honor the only worthy ONE.

I am reminded that our nation, by a majority, protected the honor of God as our banner. Today, it’s difficult to find many–believers or not–who will go against the fray of society and Stand Up for righteousness. It’s more important not to hurt anyone’s feelings or step on their rights, no matter how wrong they may be. This unfortunate turn of events has given voice to a minority that scream louder and push harder to accommodate their will. While societal norms have changed and adjustments made, Christian values have been subdued, stomped out, even persecuted. In gaining their rights they are stomping out ours.

When we only listen to the opinions of those who speak the loudest today, we can lose perspective on yesterday’s reality. Too often I hear people parroting what their favorite public figure believes. If the issues that make you speak up are based on an icon’s opinion rather than personal research, chances are you’ve been misled.

A society as developed as the USA got there by setting boundaries and adopting a standard.  The United States was never every man for himself. It was once “One Nation Under God.”

Read firsthand the words of your forefathers expressed on their Christmas cards. Their belief was evident.

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