Goodnight full moon–goodbye June! Hello, Kaboom! July 1st came in with a sizzle, snap-fizz, and a boom! The countdown to the 4th of July is on!
As we approach our nation’s America 250 milestone, I find myself reflecting on what ideal independence really looks like—not just for a country, but for the heart and the home.
History proves that declaring independence and achieving it are two entirely different milestones.
Historical Heritage
Historically, many have lost their independence in our country—from our first native settlers, to those enslaved, and to those dependent on others for freedom. Our independence comes at a cost. Good and bad intentions might drive the need for liberty, just as those same intentions are often forced upon others who never wanted to lose their freedom in the first place.
When the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it was a bold statement of intent~a brave vow to the world.
But a declaration is merely the first step. As the National Constitution Center notes, true independence wasn’t legally recognized by Great Britain until the Treaty of Paris was signed seven long years later September 3, 1783.
***For anyone interested, I recently tested my knowledge on the timeline of the American Revolution. If you want to challenge yourself, you can learn about each milestone event right after the quick quiz.***
Divine Dependence
My independence is dictated by my health—even more so with each passing year. The reality is I will have improvements and limitations. Setbacks and successes. My independence will fluctuate with these inevitable ups and downs.
Shifting from self-reliance to completely trusting God through every situation has proven that being dependent ON HIM is how I continue to find joy in the juggling of day-to-day activities.
If you know this one true Source, you understand.
A doctor told my dad last summer that the best way to stay independent is to ask for help. It makes me wonder:
- How often do we ask others (or Google) before we ask God?
- Do we spend alone time with Him to refill and refuel?
- Do we practice the patterns that propel peace?
It’s vital that we do not lose sight of Who provides ultimate freedom. If you’re counting on this world… well, you may find yourself in bondage. It hurts my heart to see those living enslaved in their past, tied to their achievements, or allowing the constant activities, platforms, and worries of this life determine their independence.
If there’s no time with our Creator how can you experience true freedom? INDEPENDENCY becomes the ability to hold truth tightly and worldly things loosely–all because of DEPENDENCY on Him!
Personal Preservation
When I think about kids, I smile. I have memories of my own boys and students who felt they weren’t given enough independence at times. And maybe too much at other times. It’s a balance!
It makes me wonder: Will we use our history—both personal and patriotic—to teach them how that independence (freedom!) was gained? Or will we simply “skate” over the truth and throw another burger on the grill?
I DO want to celebrate the freedom and faith we enjoy, recognizing that I did absolutely nothing to achieve them. For that, I am incredibly humbled. What if we actively taught and modeled to children the responsibilities and respect that come with these freedoms?
Looking ahead …thirty, forty, or fifty years down the road, how will we honor our own independence?
- Will we lose the faith and resilience it took to get there?
- Do we hold so tightly to our self-reliance that we block the blessings of faith, family, friends, and community?
- What are we fighting to preserve?
- What are the core pieces of our inner freedom we refuse to let go?
We live in a world that constantly tries to “self-protect”—from future domes to our own homes, whether we are looking at computer screen or physically seen.If your independence begins to fade, to whom will you turn?
We have a huge God who loves us completely. He is longing for us to find Him. When all else is lost, He will forever be the ultimate treasure. True liberty—living fully liberated—is ultimately found in complete dependence on the only One who is everlasting and true.
Do you know how loved you are?
Happy July, precious friends. Keep the faith. ❣️
Friends, the NET community experienced a great loss. From his beloved wife, Lisa: “With a heart full of grief and gratitude, I share that my beloved Tom passed away peacefully…The past few days were surrounded by friends and family, enveloped by love…with so much love and with faith that he is at peace.” Tom Bajoras’s lasting spirit, amazing giftedness in music, and the love for his amazing wife, Lisa, will remain. According to her, he was the kindest and most gentlest soul she’s ever known. He had a rare gift for finding beauty in the ordinary. They recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. It was an honor to write about this extraordinary NET friend and his beloved wife, Lisa. Please join me in praying for Lisa and the entire family, a HUGE host of friends, fans, and followers, and the NCF team through these difficult days.
Tom released this beautiful collection for his beloved, Lisa, not long ago, in celebration of their anniversary. You can find his music on Spotify and Apple.
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that you love and cherish our Independence is enough for the souls that have died for it Karla 🙂 July 4th is a wonderful celebration and it reminds us that while we have a lot to be thankful for, we also have some of ourselves to give back to help and lift others.
you have a great holiday weekend and as always, I’m sending good vibes from the east coast! Mike
Hello, Mike~ I always appreciate your words of encouragement and support. Thank you, my friend.
I was just talking to a friend today about how blessed I am! I have so much in which to be grateful and thankful for and I’ll never take it for granted. I know you don’t either!….”We also have some of ourselves to give back to help and lift others.” hear, hear, Mike! Wise words! Thank you for being that person!
I hope you, and the east coast, are fairing well! Happy 4th!
❤️
❣️🤗❣️
It seems to me like you can’t be free until you let others be free. Otherwise you’re too tied up being their jailer.
I hope you have a Happy Fourth, with lots of ka-booms!
Spot on, Tippy! Agree! As Abraham Lincoln said in his latest FB post–“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
The Ka-Booms started early around here….I don’t mind the sizzles and snap-whizzess and whoooshesss. But the HUGE Ka-BOOOOM is a finale! So, I’ll take that!
Those will be the only loud things fo me. I’ll have a quiet night at home with my little firecracker, Finn.
You all have a great 4th too, dear friend!
Regardless of what is happening in our world, it is important to remember the sacrifices of those that have gone before us.
Happy 250th Independence Day 🇺🇸
Amen! And to you, my friend!! Thank you!
Hi, Karla. Thanks for the post on independence and freedom. It got me thinking about these two terms. What is independence in the world’s eyes? It is to live free of others control over you. What is independence for those who know and love their God? Is it not being free of the world’s form in independence, which is actually the bondage of rebellion against our creator? True Godly independence is found when we stop trying to be independent from our God and dependent upon our own self living. It is found when we embrace the total union of being joined into our God who is in Christ who is in us.
And what of freedom? To most, freedom is the opportunity to do as you please. But the truth is, we were made to live in union with our God, fully obedient to Him. And when we are living that life, we experience the true freedom of the opportunity to do not as we please but only as we ought to do.
These are the mysteries of being in Christ, the paradoxes of union with Him. To be free we must be bond-servants of our God and King. To be independent in the world we must be independent of the world, trusting (depending) completely in and upon our Savior.
To the world this seems foolish. That is because the world is entirely under the deception of the enemy, and is upside down in relation to true and ultimate reality. To many believers, this remains a mystery. To those surrendered into union with our God in Christ in us, this is the greatest of all freedoms, for we are finally living the life for which we were created.
God bless you this day and always!
Tim and that little wiggle-butt, Rascal