The Sound of Freedom

There is a sound called freedom…

I’ve heard freedom’s song might ring in one’s spirit. At times, it will howl like the wind or whisper like a child. It can cast out fear when doubt threatens to confuse the meaning of lessons wisdom taught. After all, who knows what tomorrow will bring us—poverty or wealth…sickness or health? We long to hold on to yesterday’s good, and we pray to let go of the bad. I’ve come to see how life changes with every season. So today, I’m thankful for it all…and especially the sound of freedom.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17

Independence Day celebration or so much more?

As people celebrated America’s independence with fireworks and parties, I watched my son and our two grandsons run down the steep bank in our backyard. I made sure I mentioned the diverse wildlife in our area without alarming them: “If you see Mr. Bear, say hello and walk the other way.” They trekked around the yard, fed apples to our deer friends, picked flowers and herbs with their mom, and bird-watched with grandpap and me. Daily family walks around the mountain proved to be mini-adventures. We even said hello to Mr. Black Snake. Not my favorite moment. My heart leaped with every giggle and screech. Their voices such a welcomed sound of freedom after a year-and-a-half of pandemic fear and silence.

It didn’t matter that most of our smoke bombs were duds. We waved our puny sparklers to made-up verses of patriotic songs and laughed and howled when my daughter-in-law danced in the street. At long last, together we lived each precious moment with the hope of more to come.

The awe and wonder of the sounds of freedom and family

With hotdogs and burgers in hand, and the mountains and lake setting a perfect backdrop, we watched the awesome July 4^th fireworks display from our cabin’s back porch. The scene held a lot more wonder than it did in years past. Color filled the night sky. Boat motors revved in the distance. My eight-year-old grandson oohed and ahhed. This was our three-year-old grandson’s first time seeing the show. Wide-eyed and ecstatic, he loved every minute and then politely said, “I need to go beddy-bye now” when it ended.

After we said prayers and momma and daddy tucked the kids into bed, I went outside and sat in my rocking chair. The night sky darkened—except for the million or so stars. Tears flowed down my cheeks as I thanked God for bringing our family back to the mountains for their summer vacation. Thankful isn’t an accurate word to describe how my husband and I felt about this freedom we once again have to visit and hug our grandchildren…Plus the fact we no longer must stand six feet apart, looking like masked bandits in the grocery store.

Freedom = loving more and fearing less

We experienced more joy in those moments than we had in months. Unfortunately, we’re still in the process (and not a fun one) of relocating full-time to North Carolina. Since we have no idea what tomorrow will bring or when we’ll celebrate like that again, I choose to always remember the good. The truth is, bears, snakes, people who act like snakes, and now superbugs and pandemics will come and go.

Life doesn’t always follow the smooth course we set. It’s often riddled with lots of potholes. Unexpected circumstances might leave us disappointed or scared. Some events batter us. We question God’s ways or his favor—but, what if we pray and ask for wisdom and understanding? There were times when wordless groanings were the only prayer I had left in me. Through every circumstance in my life…God’s faithfulness endured.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Take two knees for freedom

Dear friends,

In times of health crisis, social unrest, or political upheaval, there is still a way we can change the world. We can choose to be counted as examples who live and practice what the Bible teaches and Jesus Christ preached. His Father, God calls us to honor every life and be givers of grace and mercy.

Stand as men and women of integrity, and unconditionally love all people. God is Love. If we have love, it will be visible for all to see, and the world will change. What if people treated one another with such love that instead of taking a knee for each other, we humbly take two? The sound of freedom is love. Do you hear it? Please join the conversation here in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post. Wishing you blessings and freedom on your journey…

Joann

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

1 Peter 2:16

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