Living liberated is a beautiful thing. I felt it’s cost, too, in the sticky summer air. Suddenly, while standing on the bridge at Wilson’s Creek Battlefield, a huge flock of birds started swooping and swirling around Finley and I. It was incredibly powerful, yet peaceful. The atmosphere was stifling–it was a heavy quiet before a summer storm. Perhaps like the air on that August dayin 1861 where multitudes surrendered everything for freedom.
Freedom. Liberty.Desired by all.
The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep’s throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty. Plainly, the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of liberty.
Abraham Lincoln
The Freedom to Live
“I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other.” Harriet Tubman
The “freedom to live” is classified as a fundamental right in the United States, associated with other liberties such as freedom and the pursuit of happiness.1The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states “nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws“.
“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” — Stephen R. Covey
The Freedom to Prosper
Order without liberty and liberty without order are equally destructive.
Freedom is a gift, but unequal opportunities and economic fluctuations keep us facing hard realities. True security requires watching those in power and fiercely defending our liberties. Where power is chased we must guard the very pillars of our democracy!
How do I balance being a responsible and productive citizen with my top priority? My sole purpose for existence?
My Freedom to Let Go–Live Surrendered
Being emancipated and freed from the world is true liberty. There was a time my freedom “choices” were not interwined with His character. Jesus proclaimed that He came to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18). The New Testament teaches that faith in Christ frees individuals from the penalty and power of sin. I’m not burdened by fear or religious legalism. When I left my own personal prison and entered a conscious and deep personal union with Christ, I experienced true freedom. My soul found healing. His grace is limitless. My true self and identity are found only in Him. Surrendering my rights allows me to walk in His will.
K.L. Hale
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (ESV)
“The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight.”
C.S. Lewis
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
When the weight of the world is heavy, like the summer air, I remember my ultimate citizenship isn’t tied to the USA flag I love so much. It belongs to a Kingdom that never crumbles or shakes–and I love that more! My primary allegiance belongs to God. “Fixing humanity” is a heavy burden, friends. It can’t happen. I’m “free” to care about the world–I must LOVE God and OTHERS. Politics will shift power–only Christ will shift hearts. I’m resting in the fact that He is on the throne. I surrender. I’m free. I’m living …liberated.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another”. Galatians 5:13
Do you know how loved you are? Have hope-keep the faith! ❣️
