Today is Flag Day.

It's not really an official federal holiday; it's kind of a non-holiday holiday. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of American's national flag, the Stars & Stripes, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.

I met a woman last week who was from Russia. She was petite, blonde, in her mid-forties, and had a husband and three children in junior high and high school. I found out they had come to America just a few years ago, so I asked her what prompted her to move her family so far away from their homeland. "Too much fighting and civil unrest," she told me.

She went on to explain how she and her family felt it was not safe to live there. They never knew who was in charge or who was going to come to their door and harass them for any reason whatsoever. She would not even let her kids go shopping alone for fear of what might happen to them. Simply being out in public felt unsafe. At one point she looked at me and said in earnest, "You Americans have no idea what it's like to live in that kind of fear. You don't know what it's like for us to come to America and have this feeling of being safe in our home and neighborhood."

I was reminded of the Four Freedoms from Franklin Delano Roosevelt's inaugural speech in 1941; the 4th freedom is Freedom from Fear. My new acquaintance from a country far different from ours reminded me of what that means--what it means to live under the American flag.

When you think about it, "Old Glory" has gone through a lot. It's been booed, burned, stomped upon, spit at, mocked, torn apart in a public display of contempt, made into clothing, and God only knows what else--and that is at the hands of United States citizens.

I don't think there is a single one of us who is not concerned about where our country is going and what it will be in the future, but if you drive by my house this Thursday you will see the American flag waving in my front yard.

Land of the free...free from fear.

Greg

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Sunday, July 1: Cirque du Soleil - Kooza
5:00 PM Sunday matinee under the Grand Chapiteau ( air-conditioned tent) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Tickets: $27.00 per person.
If you've driven the 101 Loop lately you can see the big white tent! This is your chance to see a Cirque du Soleil show at a fraction of the cost. They are spectacular. This particular show combines two circus traditions - acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. Bob has gotten 10 MORE tickets for this performance so call Bob at 623-326-9047 to get yours now. A great mid-summer break!

Saturday, July 28: Day-trip to Willow Springs Lake
Get out of the heat for a day this summer with a day-trip to the Mogollon rim! Bring your swimsuit, your kayak or boat, your camp chair and a picnic lunch. Willow Springs Lake is surrounded by tall trees and a nice hiking trail, so if you prefer hiking don't forget your boots or tennies. Save the date and stay tuned for more info.

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DivorceCare: Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 PM
Community Church of Joy
21000 N 75th Ave
Glendale
If you are going through a divorce or have unfinished emotions and feelings regarding a past divorce, come for this series of videos that can help you heal and move forward. This is a small group setting.
Call Jerry for more info at 623-972-7651.

Healing from Loss: Beginning this Fall
This 12-week grief recovery workshop involves reading, reflection, homework and sharing. The next workshop will begin this fall. Please call Greg for info: 602-622-1488.