Banners of red, white, and blue...
Independence Day...
Let freedom ring...
But, from where does true freedom ring?
Independence (by definition) is when someone or something is free from the influence or control of another.
But if you are independent of someone or something, are you still not under the control of oneself?...
As Keller writes,"perhaps the most damaging statements that have ever been said about us are those things we have said about ourselves. Most have a never-ending loop of self-talk that berates them for being foolish, stupid, a failure, a loser."
Self can be a most viscious, fear-filled taskmaster, a place of distorted perception lacking Truth.
True freedom is always rooted in dependence. In total surrender to the One who gracefully waves His Banner of Love over us as He mercifully teaches us to glance at self and stare at Him.
Total surrender to the One who says, 'Come as you are, broken, messy, and bruised. Just come to me'...
Independence destroys intimacy, and transparency generates humility.
The opposite of self-anxiety is humility, and His humility paves the Way to our freedom.
Humility allows the One to shine His Light into our self-deprecating inner monologue replacing it with His Truth, 'You are redeemed, accepted, cherished, gifted, blessed beyond measure.'
"Spiritual maturity is more like returning to the embrace of the Father you have been missing than growing out of need for your father's presence and touch. Our posture toward God the Father is to be that of Christ in us: increasingly, simply, and humbly seeking to embrace him for all of who he is and to allow his heart to reform our hearts with his love." Richard R. Dunn
When true freedom rings, you no longer want to be an independent, just a slave to Christ...a steward of His grace-blessings...
When true freedom rings, you can no longer play it "safe" with your heart, but long to live dangerously...to love as He loves...
"Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion," said Lucy.
"That you will dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver, "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without his knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."
"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."C.S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wadrobe
This world is indeed a reckless world full of unimaginable pain and suffering, and yet when we stay in the seemingly "safe" confines of self, we find a reckless end.
True freedom is living dangerously for Him that we might see more of His unimaginable mercy, grace, and glory...
For He is not safe, but He is good and He has come to set the captives free...
Every day an offering to Him, to love as He loves
May He give me the faith-filled courage...
Let Freedom Ring...
True freedom is always rooted in dependence. ...my favorite line, oh so true and so powerful. Love it and love you!
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