Today, I saw long post after post by friends on Facebook who seldom write lengthy posts. Today, I saw friends that avoid politics at all cost, speak their minds. Today, they did not care that they were politically incorrect.

The common topic of these posts was the protesting by the NFL when the national anthem has been played at the games. More and more players protested this weekend. Players shaking their fists at the anthem. Taking a knee. Putting their hands on the shoulders of other players. Staying in the locker room while it was being performed.

I read through each post today and looked for the copy and re-post requests at the end, but time and again, it was not there. The posts were written from the heart by each author. They were not chain posts—only posts meant to break the chains of anti-patriotism in our country.

These friends were showing their passion about their country and anger about how anyone could disrespect it in such a way as to disrespect the national anthem. Moms with sons and daughters, currently in harms’ way defending our nation, were standing up for their children and for the USA. Lovers of freedom and country were sharing their disapproval of the disrespect of our soldiers, veterans and our first responders.

On the other side of the debate are the NFL players, some making 7 figures, claiming injustice with their actions. I believe in the First Amendment, and many soldiers have died so that men may speak their minds openly in our country like this. However, I think these players may have picked the wrong way to protest.

The kneeling is getting attention all right, but probably not the kind of attention that the protesters are seeking. America cannot hear their protests over the piercing noise of the disrespect of the flag, soldiers, veterans and first responders. The National Football League has not exactly been honoring our Nation, and the Nation is upset about it to say the least.

My favorite post I read today on the subject was by Franklin Graham: “There’s a whole lot of talk going on about taking a knee during our national anthem. Yesterday even Stevie Wonder said he was taking not one knee, but two “for America.” I can tell you how getting on our knees could make a real difference—not in protest or in pride, but in PRAYER. Praying for each other, praying for unity, and praying for this great nation and our leaders. “Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore” (Psalm 105:4).”

Well said, Pastor Graham! I could not have said it better myself!

I am not sure how much good is coming from this protest for those participating, but good things certainly seem to be coming out of this for those who oppose this controversy. For every action, there is a reaction.

1. Patriotism is being sparked in the hearts of America. United we stand. Divided we fall. Americans love football. Americans love our country more.
2. A spotlight of gratitude is turning toward our soldiers, veterans, and first responders.
3. The image of a bended knee can remind us all that the best way to bring positive change and resolve conflicts that divide our nation is on our knees asking God for unity and peace in our nation.

Dear Lord: Thank you for letting us live in the greatest nation on earth, for the men and women of our military and our first responders who have sacrificed or are sacrificing their lives every day for our protection and freedom. During these days of unrest in our nation, help us to see each other as you see us, to love one another as you love us. Your love is the only unity that can bring our nation together. We pray for revival in our nation and that the hearts of our nation would turn back to You as when it was founded. The next time we take a knee let it be when we are praying for each other and for unity, peace and love for our country. Amen

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees. ~ Corrie Ten Boom

There is much controversy about the NFL players’ protests. Please share your comments, thoughts and encouragement with our readers.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. This Wednesday is “See You at the Pole” Day. Let’s remember to pray for God to bring revival, unity, peace and love to our nation today and every day.