Freedom
What comes to mind when you think of the word ‘Freedom’?
Here in the United States we have a multitude of freedoms given to us in the Bill of Rights: Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Petition, The Right To Bear Arms, The Right To Equal Justice, The Right To Own Private Property, The Right of ‘No Quartering’, and yes, The Right To Enjoy Many Other Freedoms (Amendment Nine). Yesterday was the 4th of July, a day that America celebrates its independence from Great Britain and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. It’s a day full of family, fun, bbq, parades, picnics, fairs, baseball, music, and LOTS of fireworks.
As I celebrated yesterday with my family, I couldn’t help but think of all the people and Nations around the world that don’t have these freedoms. Having done a little bit of world travel, I can personally attest to seeing and experiencing what life is like when you don’t have much freedom. When I go to third world countries, they are always in awe of me being from America. When people make comments about how lucky I am, I realize that I take my freedom for granted. As I was writing the freedoms we have in the Bill of Rights, I was thinking about all the countries I have visited, and all my friends who live there. I couldn’t help but feel saddened that they don’t have what seem like basic, simple rights….like Freedom of Religion and The Right To Equal Justice. Every time I come home it is like a breath of fresh air….to not live under the constraints and worries that come with visiting third world Nations.
When I think of ‘Freedom’, I think of our Bill of Rights, but I also think of what that freedom brings to us. The majority of Americans have clean water that flows abundantly, services that help take care of us when we fall on hard times, readily available medical services and medications, an abundance of religions and the freedom to worship as you choose, laws that bring justice and give equal rights, and an economy that can sustain us and give us what we need to survive so that we don’t have to live in slums and on less than $1 per day and still go without basic needs being met. We as Americans are SO BLESSED to live in the country we do, however, with that blessing I feel we absolutely have a responsibility to give back and help others!
While people in these other Nations may not have the freedom we do, they have one freedom that no one can take away…can you guess? FREEDOM IN CHRIST! Joyously I can say that the word is spreading rapidly across the world, sadly, I can say that there are many many people who still do not know about Jesus and what He offers. One way to give back (a huge way) is to be a missionary, or support a missionary who is going into these Nations and bringing hope to the lost and broken. Hope comes in many ways: Bringing the Gospel, Prayer, VBS, Bible Study, Community Service, Disaster Relief, Volunteering with local Churches, Medical Care, and my favorite….a simple smile, hug, listening ear, and a kind heart of generosity. If you are a missionary, or supporting a missionary, I applaud you because YOU MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE in the world and the Kindgom! Thank You!
If you would like an opportunity to support a missionary by joining their team of support, please take time to visit my home page. If you would like to donate, click the ‘support me’ tab at the top of the screen OR the tab on the left side of your screen 🙂 Thank you, God Bless!
Photo Credit: Christian Relief Fund in Eldoret, Kenya, 2012 Mission Trip
