Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Our Squad Mentor, Erica, an inspiring woman of God, spent all of Romania with I squad. One thing that Erica would often say is “it is for freedom you have be set free, so walk in that freedom.” It took me a while to understand this; in fact I would say to this day I still don’t fully understand it, but I’m learning more everyday I walk with the Lord. What does it look like to walk in freedom? This isn’t a rhetorical question, what do you personally think walking in complete freedom looks like? To live your life free from shame, expectations, pressure, guilt, judgment, etc. If you are having trouble honestly answering this question you’re not alone.
Multiple things stopped me from walking in full freedom, but at the core of it were shame and fear. I was walking in these chains so long that I forgot they were on. Do you know how your house has it’s own smell? Did you know you can go “nose blind” to it? You’ve smelled it for so long your brain no longer recognizes it. That was me. I had been wearing these chains for so long I didn’t even recognize it. I had forgotten what it was like to not be nauseated by the physical touch of another. You see, there was a string of events in my college years that left me squirmy and bothered when others touched me. After some time I forgot what a fearless, free life looked like.
While in Romania, these events in my past resurfaced and I began to struggle. I was confused, wondering where God was. Lost, ashamed, afraid, I left Romania in heavy, unmovable chains.
In Bulgaria I put on a smile and barely made it through the day. You see, the changes that I had gone “nose blind” to were now so apparent, so prevalent, that these spiritual chains physically weighed me down. Those of you who know me know that I’m a pretty upbeat, glass half full type of gal. Those of you who don’t, trust me when I say I’m “always on the sunny side of life”, but in Bulgaria I struggled.
God sent me to Romania, just like God sent me to Bulgaria. One Monday, an off day, I chose to go to the Woman conference worship instead of sleep in. I typically don’t get to go because I’m working. I joined women from Great Britain and Bulgaria in the hall to worship the Lord. I remember praying to God, during that time of worship. I prayed, “Today is yours Lord. Let your will be done, I surrender my day.” I heard him say what about your whole self? Do you surrender that? I’m on the Race, giving up a year of my life to serve God; yes I’m all in. I prayed “ Lord I give you all of me. I surrender my whole self to you and your will. Do what you want with my life.” I didn’t yet know the power of my words. With my heart humbly bent in front of Gods thrown I fully gave myself to Him.
When worship ended one of the leaders of the conference announced they were going to pray for the British team.
Side note: the Bulgarian culture here is very touchy. On the first day we were here our host full out hugged me.
Knowing this I purposely stood in the back. My plan was to go unnoticed, and keep way from the touchy feely people. Out of nowhere two Bulgarian women swarmed me. They bear-hugged me on both sides. Hands everywhere. I went in to panic mode. Hands on my heart and head.I was begging God to make them get off me. I wanted to run, fast and far. I struggled against the nauseating felling in my stomach.
Then God spoke to me. “These are my people and they only want good things for you. They aren’t touching you to hurt you, to make you uncomfortable or to control you. They are embracing you because you are my child and WE love you.” His healing love washed over me and my chains fell away. I stood there and let them touch me!
So what does this all have to do with a 23 year old woman getting her nose pierced like “a cow”. When God does an inward soul change, often Christians want to show an outward evidence of this change. Here I was with this newfound freedom, walking around lighter than air. I was doing my daily devotion, reading in Genesis (chapter 24). You see, Isaac was in need of a wife. So his father sent a servant to find one and when this servant saw Rebecca, her beauty struck him, both inward and outward. He gave her two bracelets and ring for her nose. When her brother saw the ring in her nose, he knew the importance of the ring and of her. I did a little more research on nose rings in the bible, because, as strange as it sounds, this was what I wanted to change on my outward appearance. After prayerful and biblical consideration, and a blessing from my respected parents, I pierced my nose.
Ask me about my nose ring and I will tell you how God freed me from my chains. Ask me about my nose ring and I will tell you just how unfailing, loving, and mighty my God is. Ask me about my nose ring and I will tell you about hope in Christ. If you currently, or ever find yourself in chains remember Galatians 5:1, remember that in Christ we are free, remember you are not alone, remember to pray and patiently wait for the Lords healing.
