O Boundless Salvation

A few years back I was in a regular church service, it wasn't immediately apparent but morale was low and people were discouraged. As the service came to an end we were to sing "O Boundless Salvation". Written by the founder of The Salvation Army, it is I suppose, the theme song of the denomination and sometimes it's singing is accompanied by somebody taking the flag and marching around. It is a symbolic underlining of faith and gratitude and it brings an emotional response, just like singing a national anthem.

On this particular day we started to sing and I felt that we needed somebody to take up the flag but nobody was. I wanted to catch somebody's eye to suggest it but nobody was looking and so, despite the fact that I stagger like a drunk sailor at the best of times, I decided that it was up to me and somehow, just like that, I became the flag waver. Not just for that day but for days to come.

With Clyde

Yesterday, as we had our last service in that location we again closed with "O Boundless Salvation" and I was called to service again.

I couldnt make it down the steps with the flag so I called a "volunteer" and tried to get everyone moving. I feel strongly that in some ways it is my job to lead my church community in their attitude to this change, to show optimism and expectation for the future.
As I walked behind the flag, I knew that I had to grab Clyde and include him. Clyde has been a bright, engaged man, deeply committed to his faith but in recent months he has suffered several brain bleeds and is a shadow of what he was. I took his hand and led him around. I hope I gifted him something.