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! ❣️
As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it’s a beautiful season to pause, ponder, and practice gratitude for the freedom we share. Our family shares a deep appreciation for those who serve and protect these lands—from the rugged, snow-capped peaks of Alaska to the quiet, winding trails right here in our own neck of the woods. Celebrating America’s 250th birthday isn’t just about looking back at history; it’s about looking forward with a foundation of faith. It’s about cultivating a community that holds onto hope, values unity, and anchors itself in truth, even when the winds of division blow. How can we keep America beautiful…together? ❣️
The following podcast was recorded yesterday, June 10th.
Join K.L. as she shares her blog post via her podcast. As we inch closer to celebrating America's 250th birthday, K.L. shares about the song, "America the Beautiful", and her thoughts about our country and the freedom we have.
What makes America beautiful to you? Do you feel we are really ONE NATION…AND under God? Will divisions keep us divided? How do we KNOW the truth?
Whatever MIGHT divide us doesn't have to override our faith and belief in ONE NATION—despite opinions or differences.
Find faith, keep it. Have hope, friends. You are loved.
As we ponder what makes America beautiful and lean into the hope of our upcoming 250th milestone, I’ve created a special collection of keepsake t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, stickers, and mugs to honor the journey. Take a piece of the celebration home! Find faith! Keep the hope! YOU ARE LOVED ❣️
Finley River Collection is thrilled to introduce new keepsakes for America’s celebration!
No matter where you place the apostrophe, a day is being celebrated. For some, it’s Presidents’ Day. Others, President’s Day. Perhaps Washington’s Birthday? In other places like Missouri, we celebrate Washington’s birthday and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
Travels to Lincoln’s hometown, Mt. Rushmore, and our nation’s capital flooded my memories as I “dusted” off these word cinquains. History, even shared events, shapes us all differently. My livelihood might be impacted by leadership. My wellbeing, peace, and future is not.
Keep the faith.💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
Goodbye, June, I hope to see you again. Hello, July, come on in! Will there be jubilance and joy mixed with sweat and tears? Fireworks, reunions, and fun without fear? The Olympics will begin, what feelings will it bring? When our flag flies freely, will you stop and sing?
“O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light (Do I see only me? BE STILL in HIS presence, there’s no reason to fight).
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming(Are we proud and united or am I just dreaming?) Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight(HE bore the stripes and the scars; will his love shine bright?)
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming(Have the events that united us lost their meaning?) And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, (We will gather and cheer, in a week will we care?) Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there (Will we give thanks in a prayer?) O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave (Will we honor those who gave to save?) O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” (And the one who conquered the grave?)
The words of The Star Spangled Banner are meaningful for me and an old rugged cross made me completely free. I’ll never take my freedom for granted. With my freedom, comes responsibility. I’m not angry or radical, I’ll use love & common sense–be kind to my friends on each side of the fence. It’s fine to be proud and love where I live, and honor all who died, and those who still give. There are many hurting, grieving, sad, and alone. Can we help one another, put down the stone–will compassion be shown? Today, tomorrow, or the end of July? Will we wait, procrastinate, deny, and justify?
Friends, you light up my sky like the 4th of July. God bless you all. You are loved.❣️
While Flannel with Faith is where I share my heart, Finley River Publishing is where you'll find my book and the shop collection. Read the story behind the collection here!
