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! ❣️
Sara, I’m SO HAPPY to see you (I’m in tears typing this).
Friends who might see this comment–Sara was my neighbor in 2022 THAT day when I needed to go to the E.R. The day I was diagnosed with cancer. She and her husband, Vern, are such dear and precious people!
She was kind to take this extremely sick gal to the hospital–and returned home after I got so sick on myself (you must know what she put up with!)).
Since then, she texts and checks on me. We are no longer neighbors…I miss my small community and my home there. But Sara remains such a huge part of my life. When you lift me in prayer, please remember her precious husband, Vern, who is also a miracle walking!
Sara, my arm is throbbing. It took me HOURS over several days for these 700 words. Around 9:30 pm last night I closed down the computer in tears. From tech issues, to my own fatigue, pain…yet, through my tears, I had SUCH JOY and felt the LIBERATION that I writed about. I’m FREE!
Union with God is how I’ve healed. My soul is healed. The body? We’re all going to “break down” (no matter how hard many fight it..lol).
I love you dearly, Sara! Have the most amazing day. I’ll go in for my long day treatment tomorrrow and I’ll update you after the weekend and with my Dad’s appts. We ALL appreciate you so much!
God is SO good! Give Vern tons of hugs and love too!
So beautifully said. It is a Spirit that comes with many voices and many kinds of wings. I was watching a sudden shower falling in curtains of rain, on this day when those of us near the Great Lakes are besieged with Mayflies; but these things that spend most of their lives as larvea in the lake are suddenly gosimire winged creatures and are all over the shore. Just then in curtains of rain, the Mayflies believed they were swimming, and I watched, awestruck by the beauty of their grace rising ever upward on slow wings through the cascading rainstorm. Life in the Spirit is everything worthy.
J.K. this is beautiful, just as your soul! I’ve missed being here so much.
What you described so poignantly is exactly how I view the world around me. J.K., it makes me sad that some won’t see this or even MARVEL at the beauty of our Creator’s world.
The Great Lakes have been on my “to go” list for years. And to see the Mayflies graceful rising ever upward–I just get it! My Spirit understands so much.
It’s so worthy!
God bless you! I’m grateful for you!
Yes, we are liberated from the power of the evil one when we are a born again child of the King. I mention you in my conversation with Jesus before going to sleep at night. It is good to see something from you. I have two dogs Kassie the Husky and Libby the mini goldendoodle. Two good dogs with completely different personalities. Dr. Mercola has a lot of interesting articles if you are interested. Take care.
Thank you, Maryann! I appreciate your sweet support and prayers so much!
Kassie and Libby–aww. I’d love to see pictures of those two. PRECIOUS! Aren’t dogs so amazing?
Dr. Mercola–yes, I know him. I’ve “upped” my magnesium and Vitamin D. I consider myself proactive in taking care of my health. It’s such a wonderful process of advocating and also, with the amazing team of doctors and research on that, I feel I’m such a miracle. The bones are definitely my issue right now. I have an all day treatment tomorrow. I’m glad that it only targets the cancer.
It’s good to type again; but I’m in a lot of pain with my forearm, hand, elbow…I’m wearing a brace. A dear friend has connected me to an advanced physical therapist that I’m going to contact.
All of these things keep me dependent on Christ. He expects me to do my part too!
I’ve enjoyed this quiet season of less technology to help heal, soaking in the technology with “kids” and grands that way, caring for my parents…even bought radios for a few family members. I think God really needs me in the “quiet” to help me heal and stay in His Will. I can’t wait to get back to nature when my energy spikes even more!
Please take care too, Maryann. Give Kassie and Libby belly rubs and kisses!
I think the freedom you might be referring to is that which comes from grace. It’s knowing that even if we screw up, we’re free to keep trying. That’s a wonderful freedom, in my opinion.
Lovely reflection on this life of freedom we share! I only wish it was not so difficult for you to write. Your words always bring inspiration to me and remind me how blessed I am to be connected to you. I am working on a sermon for the day after Independence Day – on the appointed texts of the day – Romans 7 (our exhausting human condition) and Matthew 11 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
You exemplify this amazing grace poured out upon you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I think of you often as I write and prepare to preach.
Prayers for continued strength and peace in the loving care of our Lord Jesus.
Excellent blog today, Karla! (As is usual and the norm for you!!!) I did a quick read but will go back and digest it slower. So much truth there!!!
Thankful you felt like writing today! God is good!
Love ya! ?? Sara
Sara Street Have a blessed day ________________________________
Sara, I’m SO HAPPY to see you (I’m in tears typing this).
Friends who might see this comment–Sara was my neighbor in 2022 THAT day when I needed to go to the E.R. The day I was diagnosed with cancer. She and her husband, Vern, are such dear and precious people!
She was kind to take this extremely sick gal to the hospital–and returned home after I got so sick on myself (you must know what she put up with!)).
Since then, she texts and checks on me. We are no longer neighbors…I miss my small community and my home there. But Sara remains such a huge part of my life. When you lift me in prayer, please remember her precious husband, Vern, who is also a miracle walking!
Sara, my arm is throbbing. It took me HOURS over several days for these 700 words. Around 9:30 pm last night I closed down the computer in tears. From tech issues, to my own fatigue, pain…yet, through my tears, I had SUCH JOY and felt the LIBERATION that I writed about. I’m FREE!
Union with God is how I’ve healed. My soul is healed. The body? We’re all going to “break down” (no matter how hard many fight it..lol).
I love you dearly, Sara! Have the most amazing day. I’ll go in for my long day treatment tomorrrow and I’ll update you after the weekend and with my Dad’s appts. We ALL appreciate you so much!
God is SO good! Give Vern tons of hugs and love too!
So beautifully said. It is a Spirit that comes with many voices and many kinds of wings. I was watching a sudden shower falling in curtains of rain, on this day when those of us near the Great Lakes are besieged with Mayflies; but these things that spend most of their lives as larvea in the lake are suddenly gosimire winged creatures and are all over the shore. Just then in curtains of rain, the Mayflies believed they were swimming, and I watched, awestruck by the beauty of their grace rising ever upward on slow wings through the cascading rainstorm. Life in the Spirit is everything worthy.
J.K. this is beautiful, just as your soul! I’ve missed being here so much.
What you described so poignantly is exactly how I view the world around me. J.K., it makes me sad that some won’t see this or even MARVEL at the beauty of our Creator’s world.
The Great Lakes have been on my “to go” list for years. And to see the Mayflies graceful rising ever upward–I just get it! My Spirit understands so much.
It’s so worthy!
God bless you! I’m grateful for you!
Yes, we are liberated from the power of the evil one when we are a born again child of the King. I mention you in my conversation with Jesus before going to sleep at night. It is good to see something from you. I have two dogs Kassie the Husky and Libby the mini goldendoodle. Two good dogs with completely different personalities. Dr. Mercola has a lot of interesting articles if you are interested. Take care.
Maryann
Thank you, Maryann! I appreciate your sweet support and prayers so much!
Kassie and Libby–aww. I’d love to see pictures of those two. PRECIOUS! Aren’t dogs so amazing?
Dr. Mercola–yes, I know him. I’ve “upped” my magnesium and Vitamin D. I consider myself proactive in taking care of my health. It’s such a wonderful process of advocating and also, with the amazing team of doctors and research on that, I feel I’m such a miracle. The bones are definitely my issue right now. I have an all day treatment tomorrow. I’m glad that it only targets the cancer.
It’s good to type again; but I’m in a lot of pain with my forearm, hand, elbow…I’m wearing a brace. A dear friend has connected me to an advanced physical therapist that I’m going to contact.
All of these things keep me dependent on Christ. He expects me to do my part too!
I’ve enjoyed this quiet season of less technology to help heal, soaking in the technology with “kids” and grands that way, caring for my parents…even bought radios for a few family members. I think God really needs me in the “quiet” to help me heal and stay in His Will. I can’t wait to get back to nature when my energy spikes even more!
Please take care too, Maryann. Give Kassie and Libby belly rubs and kisses!
“Politics will shift power–only Christ will shift hearts. “ Amen, sister! And only Christ can save souls.
David, I’m so happy to see you, brother! Thank you!
Thank you! I hope you’re enjoying some time off??? Say you are!! LOL!
I think the freedom you might be referring to is that which comes from grace. It’s knowing that even if we screw up, we’re free to keep trying. That’s a wonderful freedom, in my opinion.
Yes! Grace! Thank you, Tippy! I’ve missed you, my friend!!
So glad to “see” you today! “His grace is limitless.” ❤️ Thank you for the reminder!
It’s so wonderful to “see” you too, dear friend. It’s my blessing to share and thank YOU for your love and support. ❣️❣️🥰🤗
Lovely reflection on this life of freedom we share! I only wish it was not so difficult for you to write. Your words always bring inspiration to me and remind me how blessed I am to be connected to you. I am working on a sermon for the day after Independence Day – on the appointed texts of the day – Romans 7 (our exhausting human condition) and Matthew 11 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
You exemplify this amazing grace poured out upon you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I think of you often as I write and prepare to preach.
Prayers for continued strength and peace in the loving care of our Lord Jesus.
“Politics will shift power–only Christ will shift hearts.” Amen, sister!