The recent spontaneous outpouring of spiritual renewal at Asbury University sparked a glimmer of hope for our country. As we observe this holiest time of the year for Christians, with Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter approaching, we should pray for the potential of a single flame. Should the Holy Spirit bring revival beyond the borders of Kentucky, it could be the fire that reverses dismal trends and returns our nation to God.
Frank Yamada, the executive director of the Association of Theological Schools, observes that what happened at Asbury University seems counterintuitive to the trends of the past decade. Indeed, Pew Research Center’s religious landscape study shows a steady and declining percentage of Americans by generational group who indicate the importance of religion in one’s life as very or somewhat important. The youngest showing the least interest.
But, as Yamada sees it, students participating in the Asbury revival seemed motivated by a deeper longing that could fan out by example: “People are looking for signs of hope, looking for signs of being connected to each other rather than being divided from each other,” he said. “There are a lot of social factors that could point to this being a meaningful moment.”
It is in this moment that it is more important than ever to reinforce public displays of faith on our campuses, in our neighborhoods, and in the public square as a reminder of the hope that we have in a God who loves us and gave His life for us.
Over the past year, many parents have been awakened to destructive concepts their children are being taught in public schools – that you can “choose your gender,” that the country was founded on racism, that killing your baby in the womb is better than subjecting your child to the fatalism of climate change, that there is no absolute truth or objective reality; it’s all based on “my truth” and my feelings.
While we thought our schools were teaching children to read and write, they instead are promoting an ideology teaching values that are contrary to the Word of God. Drag queen storytimes have replaced drug-free school events. Make no mistake; there are people who have an agenda for our children, and they are not ashamed of their gospel.
And their agenda is relentless; it has captured the media, big tech, and the culture who all reinforce the same messages children learn in school. Our children may go to church one hour a week but are subjected to other influences the other 167.
The Left makes no apologies for their beliefs; they wear it as a badge of honor and seek to indoctrinate the culture through every institution.
Every June, Americans see rainbow flags everywhere to honor Gay Pride Month. Schools hold Pride assemblies, companies change their logo on their websites, government buildings and our U.S. embassies fly the flag, people wear rainbow t-shirts, and the flag is flown over houses all over the country.
Where is our Christian pride? Pride in our faith?
Why aren’t Christians as adamant about letting the world know about the most important thing in their lives?
Concerned Women for America has declared April as “Faith Month” to plant the flag of truth in the public square. We are calling on all people of faith to display their faith on their homes, at their desks, on their cars. April is the time we observe Holy Week, Passover, and Easter and the perfect opportunity to fly the flag of your faith over your home. There is a Christian flag, a Jewish flag, and other symbols that can make our faith known to others.
We are also calling on legislators to recognize April as Faith Month. If seventy percent of the American people claim religious affiliation, surely our elected bodies could recognize a month to honor their history and heritage.
Presidents have done it. All U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Joe Biden, have acknowledged America’s faith and our many blessings from God. The country’s founding documents and laws are based on moral principles that come from the Bible.
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encouraged His followers to “[L]et your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Let us fan the flames of revival in our communities this year. By making our faith known to others, flying the flag of our faith, we are committed to following those words.
Penny Nance
CEO and President