I was born and raised under the Lone Star. A state that often defines itself by its independent spirit and nature. The flag has a beginning back to 1838, and when Texas became a state, the colors referenced Old Glory, the national flag of the USA. Singular stripe of each color, instead of many. Single star instead of many, which represents the entire state and stands for unity as one for God, state and country. The blue stands for loyalty, white for purity and red for bravery.
We loved to go to Six Flags Over Texas… My first theme park of memory. It opened in 1961 when I was 6 years old. A 6 hour drive to Dallas, and often meant an overnight trip. I have some wonderful, and sweet, memories of those times.
Why the name? Somewhere in the past it was noted that six national flags had flown over the territory since the time of Cortez in 1519. In order, Spain, France, Mexico, Texas as a Republic, Texas in the confederacy, and finally as a part of the United States since 1845. Nearly 500 years of history represented by these six flags.
Many Texans are recognized by their independent attitude, toughness, and unwillingness to back down from a fight. These characteristics are easily found in the 500 years of history, including their fight for independence.
Flag Identity
It’s easy to identify with a flag that is defined by the states governing body. Flags come and go, and are often updated to reflect new statuses. But flags were largely used by the military as a banner used to send orders, or indicate a condition. Having a national flag is a rather recent occurrence, say about 300 years or so. Since then, flags have a protocol, specified usage, and even rules about how to place them when flying with others.
Even though I do not live in Texas any longer, the valued qualities I comprehend are easily represented by this Lone Star flag. In a Unity mode, it is the one flag I recognize that adapts to the USA flag. The colors are the same as the USA. A few state flags have the same colors, and I had to go look it up to see this, but there’s not another flag that looks so royally connected to the USA and is very easily identifiable as such. [Flag Images]
Some valued qualities we all need, easily represented by the simple lone star flag.
Alaska
Though I have lived out of Texas for over 34 years, it is still the flag that defines my roots.
My favorite non-Texas state is Alaska. Another place with many of the same qualities of my roots.
I resided in this state for nearly 17 years, and the meaning of the flag sort of rubs off on you as you begin a new portion of life.
“The Alaska flag has a blue field with eight yellow stars. The seven smaller stars represent the Big Dipper (an asterism in the constellation Ursa Major, the Big Bear); the large star represents the North Star, also called Polaris (representing Alaska’s northern location.”
Alaska has the cold and ruggedness I miss, and my heart often relates to this northern location the most. When you think of flags representing your roots and heart, I cannot think of two better examples than Texas and Alaska. The two largest states!
Today
I now live in Washington state and the only thing I note about the state and the flag is that it is the only state in the union that was named after a president. This is something to identify with – who was first to lead, and do we honor them appropriately?
In this ‘cancel’ culture of the day, I’m sure every flag of every state and nation will be scrutinized to determine if it should remain. Flags come from our past, but they should also point to our future.
Each of these flags give me a part of my personal identity. Sometimes fierce, but always longing for bravery and loyalty. Looking ahead to the North, and enjoying the furthest of the Pacific NW. Honor. Love. Respect. All natures of a flag, representing a state and country.
Here’s My Thought
In other languages and times, the flag was often called the “Standard”. It represented tribes, families, nations and lands. Countries would raise their standard to show ownership of a piece of ground. Ships would fly similar banners, but often in different positions on guide wires.
Even God had a Standard.
So shall they fear The name of the LORD from the west,
And His glory from the rising of the sun;
When the enemy comes in like a flood,
The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
(Isaiah 59:19 NKJV)
How about you? Do you serve a God that has his own flag lifted up against those that fight against you? Does your state flag define you? Can we connect your flag to your nature…?
Some heavy thoughts as we deal with the world around us.