South Platte Sentinel Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Page 10 ReligionWhen it comes to fruit, or religion, use discernment

Fearless Faith

By Ken Frantz

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Flag etiquette still mattersEspecially For You

By Patricia Roberts

In keeping with current genres of television reality programming, I declare myself to be at war with other family members over the scope and quality of this year’s melon crop, specifically watermelons and cantaloupes. I am leading in the best cantaloupe of the summer category for an uninformed spur-of-the-moment drive by shopping cart pick. My spouse leads in the watermelon class for a thoughtfully chosen and memorable beauty. But, let it be noted, she is also fully responsible for the appallingly inedible striped wonder that was given an early demise on the mulch pile. There have always been ques-tions in choosing the best melon.

Does “thunking” matter? Should it resonate bell-like or generate a muffled thud? Should we choose small, dense, and compact over less dense and larger? What of color and shape? True to reality programming, one website suggested that picking the right melon was an anxiety-plagued adventure. Oh my. Another site simply deferred to the roadside farmer; make him or her choose one for you. Buying a watermelon is simply too important to trust to amateurs! Here are my conclusions. I’d rather eat it than adopt it, so, dense and resonant it is, accompanied by a darker field spot than the other melons. And most important,

don’t get your hopes up. The best melons, like surprise parties, come at unexpected moments. It’s on to cantaloupes, though, just out of the garden gate I’m already confused. One source indicates five essential tips to making the right choice. Another suggests 10 important steps. It’s

as we feared, watermelon anxiety is beginning to creep into the ‘loupe process. And what about smell? Everyone seems to sniff the cantaloupes in particular. Do they know something I don’t? Could it be that no one truly knows, but that it makes us appear knowledgeable by touching a melon to our nose? If that’s the case with other produce, I’m back to buying canned veggies. Most how-to-choose lists begin with looking for obvious defects as a starting place. Thank goodness for that. If the melon is broken in half or covered in black mildew, we now have a better idea as to the direction we will move, preferably away from the produce section. Some suggest that nothing but smell matters. If it smells slightly sweet you are good to go. My theory? Add the presence of fruit flies to the obvious defects category before doing the sniff test. When searching for the best spiritual produce available, check first for obvious defects. Every faith, every religion has its inconsistencies.

You will inevitably run across them. Take them in stride. Place them in context with what you know. Use your senses – heart, soul, and mind – employing them all in your search for understanding. Release your anxiety. We are called to the process of discernment, not perfect result. Defer appropriately to those more knowledgeable, but know that you also retain skills of discernment buffered by the safety and wisdom of spiritual faith communities. Avoid the trap of exactitude; five tips, 10 essentials, three steps to understanding anything, etc. If it were that easy, we could simply check off boxes. When you do find that exceptional melon, savor it in the moment, knowing there will be others both good and bad. But this one…yes! (Ken Frantz is a non-salaried ordained pastor serving the Haxtun Church of the Brethren. He lives with his family near Fleming. Comments are always welcomed at goodhope@haxtuntel.net.)

There are International Code Flags. There are Weather Bureau Flags. There are monochromatic (one color) flags. There are flags for all countries, states and many cities, and for many reasons. Girl Scouts learn to respect our U.S.A flag, even how to send messages in rhythmic movements of one and two flags. Many meetings of all kinds are opened with attention and allegiance to our flag. Betsy Ross (Elizabeth Griscom Ross) is cited in error as the designer/maker of the first flag during the American Revolution. A gentleman by the name of Francis Hopkinson has been declared the designer of the “Stars and Stripes,” with alternating 13 stripes and 13 six-pointed stars on the blue field. Its dates are 1777-95. Francis Scott Key wrote the words to the anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” in 1814. It commemorated America’s successful maritime war with Britain in 1812. It had 15 stripes and 15 starts, indicating additions to the colonies by Kentucky and Vermont. The Fort Sumter flag is dated 1861, having the usual 13 stripes, but 33 stars, symbolizing America’s growth.

Why is “Flag Day” June 14? It observes the anniversary of the 1777 adoption of the National U.S.A Flag by action of the Second Continental Congress. Certain etiquette dictates the use of our beautiful 13 stripes, 50 stars flag. The words of an old song are, “The old flag shall never touch the ground, boys.” That still applies. Flags for buildings are raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. If the flag is displayed at a private home, the blue field is always to the viewer’s left. If a flag is flown at night, it must be lit up. At inclement weather-rain or snow-a flag is to be flown only if made of non-absorbent fabric. A damaged or worn-out flag may be buried, if desired. Generally it is

burned. Here’s a memory tickler for you, dear reader. Do you recall the movie actor Jimmy Cagney portraying the life of George M. Cohan, patriotic composer? He tap-danced across the stage and even up on the wall singing: “You’re a grand old flag. You’re a high-flyin’ flag, And forever in peace shall you wave. You’re the emblem of the land I love, The home of the free and the brave. Every heart beats true for the red, white and blue. Where there’s never a boast or brag. But should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag!” (Patricia Roberts is a freelance writer and Bible historian and resides at Devonshire Acres.)