This blog is not intended to be “preachy”. I really want to share with you my ideas for transforming things around the home. On this day of freedom though, please allow me the opportunity to share by biggest passion, that of seeing people’s lives transformed.
I didn’t really plan on blogging today, however, two things compelled me to do so. First off, yesterday was my husband Kelly’s 60th birthday. Since my blog is Old Things New I couldn’t help but think of the connection. As Freedom Session Directors by night (as my profile info says) we are all about seeing lives transformed or made new. While 60 isn’t exactly old, Kelly is definitely inching his way up there! But while he may be growing older on the outside, he continues to become a better person inside as he is daily being transformed by the renewing of his mind through God’s Word (Rom 12:1-2).
The other thing that compelled me to write was the very fact that it is Independence Day. We often equate Independence with freedom. As Americans, we supposedly live in “the land of the free and the brave”, right? Then why are so many people walking around in chains? I see it all the time. Even in church. No . . . Dare I be brave enough to say it? Especially in church. As Christ followers, many of us feel the need to put on a costume, appearing to be perfect on the outside, so no one will know what failures we are on the inside. Many people live in self-imposed prisons. They walk around believing the labels they’ve been given, or have given themselves. Some wear their labels like a badge of courage, “I am a victim”. Others carry around shame, guilt, unforgiveness, anger . . .
Scripture says, “IF the Son has set you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36, NIV). See the big “IF” there? Hmmmm . . . that sounds conditional to me! How does one become free? The answer is Jesus. Scripture also says that, “It is for freedom Christ has set us free” (Gal. 5:1). He wants to make a trade with us, our “junk” for His freedom. Sounds like a pretty good trade to me. You might want to take Him up on it.
Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share my heart this Independence Day.
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You are so right Patti 🙂
Love you Dana 🙂
Freedom is… so different. It makes just BREATHING easier.
I thank the Lord for bringing you two into my life. 🙂 Love you!
The feeling is mutual Emily. Our lives are richer for knowing you. We look forward to seeing what doors God opens for your future.