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The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom*

 

 
There is a place in captivity where one loses the ability to remember freedom. It is as if time wears down the soul until freedom has become only an idea, rumor, or whisper.

However, because we were not created for this “world” our spirit cries out in hope for its true state. It is in this hope that Christ calls us to Him. It is in this hope that my life has been propelled these nine years.

In the darkness of fear and rejection you become blinded to the root and see only the weeds on the surface. Our enemy veils us by keeping our focus on picking and mowing the dandelions only to see them sprout again days later.

But God had a plan; Christ came to set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1). And the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
(2 Corinthians 3:17)

I experienced this truth for the first time at training. Nine years of bondage destroyed by the breaking forth of Light. I have been delivered. Free from rejection. Free from fear. I am FREE.

But, deliverance is not enough.

I have learned this important truth as the days have gone by. I have wept. I have prayed. I have realized that it is one thing to have deliverance, to have freedom – but it is another thing to walk in it.

God reminded me of the Israelites. They were given their freedom. They were delivered. Yet, they did not know how to walk in it. They longed to go back to Egypt because bondage was all they knew. Their deliverance was not for the sake of freedom – but to walk in freedom in relationship with God. They rejected relationship and it took them 40 years to learn to walk in it.

My deliverance is not so that I may be free to live as I please, it is not even for me alone – it is so that I may walk in the freedom of having relationship with God and in turn – share it with others. Freedom is a new world to me. It is overwhelming at times – I feel as though I am learning to walk again. But what better dad to teach me than the Lord our God?

I have freedom. I am learning to walk in it. I will use it for His glory!

“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King.” 1 Peter 2:16-17

“Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:5-10

What will you do with your freedom?

 
 
                                                                                                        *From the Poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou