Do you know what it’s like to be free?
Does it feel like a triumphant march, bold, brazen and unstoppable?
Does it feel like an entirely new government, a government that actually has your best interest in mind?
Does it feel like a fireworks show, loud, colorful and unpredictable? Maybe just a tad dangerous?
Does it feel like a crackling fire, the comforting presence of friends, and more food than you could ever eat?
Every time July 4th rolls around, it’s impossible for me to join in the festivities without thinking, “THIS! It’s my inheritance every. Single. Day!”
The brazen “Oh yes I will stick a feather in my cap, and call it macaroni…. no matter what you think” heritage of our American forefathers (look up what those lyrics mean sometime, by the way) reminds me of the freedom I have in Jesus to be outrageous! He allows me to be 100% awkward, awesome and unique, and calls it “Perfect!” Because He made my spirit perfect, and that’s what He values the most.
A new governing entity reminds me of the freedom I have as a member of a heavenly kingdom. The rules are unchangeable as the tick of time itself. Always in my best interest. Always reliable. Always present, no matter where I am. What could be easier, or more refreshing?
Fireworks remind me of the explosive majesty of my King’s power. First a tiny spark, then a sudden blast into the air, then a full-on display of beauty for all the world to see. Dangerous? Oh yes! No king would earn his title without being dangerous. Unpredictable? Yes again, because He can. And because He is the Creator of all that is. Unforgettable? How could He be anything but? Beautiful? As the Maker of all beauty seen and unseen, experienced and imagined, time past, present, and future… how could He not be? And I am free to bask in that unforgettable, unpredictable, dangerous beauty every single day!
A crackling fire makes me think of the Lord’s spirit inside me. Warm, lively, comforting… yet ready to burst outwards and upwards in a whoosh of unstoppable power the minute it gets the fuel it needs.
Friends snuggled up by my side make me think of the comforting presence of my Jesus. Always there. Always secure. Always the same. Always trustworthy.
Abundance of the best of foods reminds me of the benefits of being a part of the most wealthy family known to the history of all that is! Unstoppable promotion is mine! Unstoppable resources from the unlikeliest of places! Unstoppable flavor and zest!
The dog is in the basement, howling. She doesn’t realize the powerful imagery of the fireworks exploding around us. But I do!
It is all of God’s people, as they should be, united in celebration of one victory… and the power of their unity is lighting up the night sky for all the world to see.
Tell me, what does freedom look like to you?
A Blurred Reflection 
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