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On Wednesday, September 23, thousands of students around the country halted their daily activities to gather around a prominent feature on their campus: the flagpole. At times a scene of humor and youthful dares, (I imagine some readers are getting sore tongues just thinking about such things), today this stately landmark looked down upon somber faces and sincere words of praise and concern for our great nation. At 8:30am, as the morning sun pierced a hazy sky, the students of Bird Lake Bible School gathered around their newly-erected flag pole and squinted up at the Stars and Stripes. They listened attentively as Bro. Edwards shared blessings we enjoy as American citizens. Then they respectfully bowed their heads as they lifted their hearts together in prayer for their home country, its leaders, a struggling economy, and the protection of their fellow citizens as we face heightened terrorist threats. Then placing their hands over their hearts, they pledged their allegiance to a proud flag that still stands for freedom and to a nation "under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." It's a touching picture, inspiring really, to see 42 students gather around the American flag, praying for their leaders and pledging their allegiance. Such a sight used to be common. Not anymore-unless you visit Bird Lake Bible School. Scenes that seem almost surreal in today's culture are a daily occurrence in our school. We still teach our students to value morals, to pray to the one true God, and to be proud to be an American. |