Seeing Red...

Red
"Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love." www.colorwheelpro.com

The color red evokes strong emotions. It also causes very real physical reactions like increasing respiration and raising blood pressure. Because this color is found on many national flags, it tends to promote feelings of loyalty, courage and passion for one's country.

During the height of the Vietnam era, it was the yellow ribbons, worn on the shirt collar, tied around the tree and everywhere else that showed our support. Yellow was an attention getter - a cry of honor and loyalty meant to evoke desires for a happier time when the war would end and our troops would be home with us again.

Examining the psychology of color, it's no wonder that the latest campaign to show support for our troops is by asking people to wear red on Fridays. Red is a stronger color, denoting passion and courage as our troops fight against the danger we feel from the threats of terrorism.

Since 9-11, many of us as Americans have felt a rising up of passion and love for our country. We support the work of our troops overseas and appreciate their fight for our freedom because we realize we are no longer oceans apart from the conflict. Terrorism can happen here at home if we let down our guard. So I plan on wearing red on Fridays, as a show of support for our troops who are sacrificing so much to protect us.

But I will also wear it as a reminder of the sacrifice of one life as He waged a war against our ultimate emeny - sin and death. Without the spilling of Jesus' blood, there would be no freedom at all for us - no freedom from the chains of guilt, shame, anxiety, fear or the hurt we perpetrate on each other.

Red represents His determined, passionate and powerful war against sin to rescue humanity from its self-destructive nature. Thank You, Lord, for shedding Your blood so I might live. Help me honor You with passionate, powerful service as I walk in the freedom You have purchased. Amen!