Daring to be Restless

Exodus 17:15, LB: “Moses built an altar there and called it ‘Jehovah-nissi’ (meaning ‘Jehovah is my flag.’).” Four simple letters; one syllable; three consonants and a solitary vowel … The word “flag” in and of itself is not at all extraordinary. Any child can sound it out phonetically and print it sloppily on a page.   And yet, the emotions it conjures up, and the images it summons to one’s mind are remarkable.   The one word “flag,” in one instant, can cause someone to think of countless things: -           classrooms of small children with their hands over their hearts reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with childlike innocence,         - stirring scenes from Mel Gibson’s movies The Patriot and Braveheart where the flag summons courage and valor form ordinary men,   -      the tears of a recent widow as she’s handed a folded flag to represent her husband’s sacrifice, his dedication and pride in serving his nation -               -  the wonder