Oral Roberts passed away in 2009. I just wanted to make sure people remember that he passed in 2009 verse those who will only remember Michael Jackson. Hey, I will give Michael his due. He was a musician, dancer, and a person in trouble with the law for many things.
But Oral Roberts was man who brought God to millions of people. He established learning centers and medical centers. Were they perfect? No. But even though Roberts' lifestyle, unorthodox fund-raising techniques, and the expanse of his organizations raised criticism and controversy, there was no credible evidence of malfeasance while he was in charge. He did not have sex-and-money scandals like some other televangelists. And he was not named among the six prosperity teachers in the financial investigations launched by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) in 2007. Was he perfect? I am sure not. But compared to many others he was the one who helped them accept God. As I prayed at the Christmas eve services where I was at, my thoughts were not on music or some pop icon. But of times past where I felt at peace-and at those times I thought I knew God. So compared to some pop icon who many thought of as a god or someone who spent all their life trying to bring God to others; I'll go with Oral Roberts.
Another person that I would bet money that most people have never heard of, and who also passed away in 2009 was Robert G. Heft. He is credited with designing and sewing the first 50-star American flag. he was 67.
Heft made the flag in 1958 as part of a high school project. He spent more than 12 hours sewing the design. President Eisenhower chose Heft's design to replace the 48 star flag.
Think about that. Someone submitted a design and the president choose it to replace the old one, as we need a new one. And it was. How simple was that? And how elegant. Now a days that would never happen. Both political parties would HAVE to be involved and it would take years. Scandals would rock the committees, bribes for consideration and then where would it be made; probably in China.
And yet there was a time that one American man designed the flag that flies from our flag poles. And there was a time when the president made the decision and it was not second guessed or had that he had to jump through hopes to get it done.
While I don't know the mess that something like that would cause to day, I would like us to take time to remember someone who made an impact almost 52 years ago. Thank you. Mr. Heft.
God bless Oral Roberts and Robert Heft.
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