"You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. " Psalm 31:8, NIV
During this weekend we're reminded of all of those who've gone before to fight for our country so that we can remain America the Free. I'm not sure how many truly realize the cost of freedom and what it takes for us to remain that way. In fact, many of our basic rights such as freedom of religion are disintegrating right before our eyes and yet with so much apathy prevalent it seems as though we're sleeping right through a take-over.
There is always a cost to freedom. The funny thing is freedom does not come free! The cost for freedom usually has a high debt attached and always with the shedding of blood. Just ask any soldier returning from war.
It has been this way since Adam and Eve ate of the tree. God had to shed the blood of animals to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve, and we've been shedding blood ever since.
In order to be freed from sin God shed the blood of His only Son. What? Don't you mean we did? Well yes and no. God is always in control and all things work together for the good of those who love Him; according to His purpose and will. So really God GAVE us His only Son who then willingly, obediently went to the Cross to die for our transgressions. Those nails could not have held Him there. Love did.
Freedom is really very expensive. It's not free. We find freedom when we can willingly lay down our lives for others, regarding them as better than us, loving them as Jesus loves us and all for the greater good. Freedom isn't about us as individuals, it's about giving up the right to yourself. Giving up the right to your own life if necessary.
I've been reading my friend Nani Aki Linder's book, Trial by Fire, and the entire book is one of selfless suffering, giving, integrity and honor. She writes, "A person's character is measured by what he does for all creatures, be they animal or human being. Beyond that, when you help those who can do nothing for you in return, then the blessings will come. "
You see she understands that through her immense suffering, she has found the freedom in letting go and letting God. While that may sound cliche to you, it is the simple truth. Freedom is a gift that is not acquired but earned.
As Americans we have freedom because others were willing to die for the privilege. Expecting it without earning it, is naive at best and apathetic at worst. We find freedom when we are willing to sacrifice ourselves, our lives, our own freedom even for the greater good. Remember freedom is never free.
*Dedicated to all the men and women who have given their lives in bravery and courage that we might continue to be a free America. Thank you!*
About the Author:
Kim Bloomer is a natural pet care consultant who teaches others how to care for their pets naturally and preventatively using therapeutic grade essential oils, whole food supplements and natural feeding. Go to aspenbloom pet care to learn more. Visit her dog's blog to find out what the animals say about caring for them naturally aspenbloom pet care
Originally published for aspenbloom pet care
In Feng Shui, water symbolizes wealth. The word "fish" in... Read More
My thoughts can get a little edgy at night. Possibly... Read More
The myths of man have been with us throughout time.... Read More
My mentor, a brilliant Ph.D, with a powerful marriage counseling... Read More
The lighter side of Tarot deals with games played using... Read More
Good morning beloved,I always feel a need to let people... Read More
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself... Read More
Imagine for a moment. It's Tuesday night about 7pm. You... Read More
Limiting beliefs, just like positive, empowering thoughts, provide a foundation... Read More
Oceans... There's water in 'em! :-)It may seem a bit... Read More
If you spend a hundred bucks and buy the right... Read More
But my God shall supply all your need according to... Read More
When I first heard Donnie McClurkin's song, "We Fall Down... Read More
Taco Bell, the Mexican fast-food franchise, has a new ad... Read More
The word "gravity" is a word coined by Sir Isaac... Read More
In his book, Stress Without Distress, Dr. Selye suggests that... Read More
1. Raphael means "God heals." Raphael heals physical, emotional and... Read More
Does this ever happen to you? You ask God for... Read More
One of the most frightening things... Read More
As soon as he saw me I saw him. It... Read More
Presently, many of us live in uncertainty. Due to the... Read More
Back in the days of the old law of Moses,... Read More
For some of us, spirituality is considered a religion, and... Read More
Who is God? This question would sound awkward to 80%... Read More
"Spirit is beyond the void of space. This realm, beyond... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..Do you ever have one of those days when you... Read More
What does the story of your life say about you?... Read More
Did you ever know somebody who easily accumulates wealth? If... Read More
What is it with angels and digital clocks? I fell... Read More
You will become as great as your dominant aspiration...If you... Read More
Though closely akin and sometimes used synonymously, John Rawls distinguish... Read More
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure,... Read More
Does God care if I marry a gentile?Even as I... Read More
The Many Waters explores the universe and sifts through the... Read More
Back in the days of the old law of Moses,... Read More
Part Two ContinuedIn addition to numerous philosophical problems relating to... Read More
(Channelled)I have been trying to ignore this title "A Man... Read More
It was my intention to explain the word "simple," and... Read More
We all hear of the concept of the "Enlightened Master",... Read More
1. Raphael means "God heals." Raphael heals physical, emotional and... Read More
The spiritually dead church. Now, I am not talking about... Read More
In the movie "Forest Gump" we see Forest succeed in... Read More
... Read More
There is no such thing as a coincidence. Albert Einstein... Read More
Lonely Song"a box of paints - lament for my da"It... Read More
Once you become saved and born again, the Bible tells... Read More
Life is like an obstacle course in which we run... Read More
How a Divine "Dream", gave me a Spiritual Principle for... Read More
Do you want victory in your life? Do you have... Read More
Most of us have heard talk or have read something... Read More
Spirituality |