Few of us would recognize the name Robert Heft, but one might say he was the Betsy Ross of the twentieth century. Hi I’m Tom Ellsworth from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with a minute message.
As a 17-year-old in 1958, Bob designed a 50-star American flag for a class project but his teacher gave him a B- stating that it lacked originality. However, Bob’s congressman submitted it to President Eisenhower who approved the design. It has served as our nation’s flag for well over half a century.
It’s so easy to let the critics discourage us. Receiving a B- on such a creative project, would cause many to give up on their idea. Not Bob. Consequently, when he retired from teaching, he traveled 125,000 miles annually to speak about our flag. Before he passed away, he’d been to 57 different countries in addition to all 50 states. Don’t let go of your creative dreams – God has given you the capacity to change your world and honor him. Naysayers are a dime a dozen; so rise above their discouraging words. Never give up. By the way, after Bob’s design rose to the top, he went back to his teacher who also raised his grade!