"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
"Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught... Read More
Mother Nature has this uncanny tendency to turn upon herself... Read More
We see it all the time in people's lives some... Read More
Years ago a commercial ran for eggo waffles. It showed... Read More
In your quest for enlightenment, always ask what's in it... Read More
Someone asked me the other day what was the most... Read More
Have you ever wondered how much faith you really have?... Read More
During my childhood days, I disliked Lenten season because radio... Read More
We are living in highly challenged times. Our mass consciousness... Read More
"I learned I was not, as most Africans believed, the... Read More
Getting the most from a Tarot card reading relies on... Read More
Imagine yourself marooned on a vast deserted island. You have... Read More
Though closely akin and sometimes used synonymously, John Rawls distinguish... Read More
We hear this word so often and have one thing... Read More
Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do... Read More
Make no mistake about it, change is challenging whether it... Read More
A Nathan type prophet sees with his eyes. A Samuel... Read More
We have a proclivity to think of individuals and nations... Read More
Looking for some ways to feed your soul in the... Read More
I was recently asked how I interpreted the Mayan and... Read More
I can truly say to this day of August, 2005,... Read More
As a Psychiatrist I spent most of my life training... Read More
(Channelled)Good morning Roy, good morning Joseth.What has love got to... Read More
Let's take a look at all these aspects. The bible... Read More
I am disturbed by the tendency of some people to... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Mundelein ..People engaged in kissing experience information and energy transfer, although... Read More
Most Tarot decks consist of 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana,... Read More
On Shamans and Shamanism ... Shaman, a Tungus (Siberian) word,... Read More
Matthew 2:19-23 The Return to Nazareth19 But when Herod died,... Read More
The Emmaus Journal What is Wrong With Being Common? This... Read More
Fanny J. Crosby's famous hymn, "Tell Me the Story of... Read More
ADDICTION: - There are numerous obsessions and addictions which prevent... Read More
The lighter side of Tarot deals with games played using... Read More
The concept of integrity has arisen often in discussions of... Read More
Before we tread into the domain of Past Life... we... Read More
Do you ever feel that what you read in some... Read More
When we ask ourselves the question who am I in... Read More
"All you who are thirsty, come and drink." ISAIAH 55:1,... Read More
The essence of the Christian faith is the good news... Read More
Last week, I sat at my computer and watched the... Read More
Years ago a commercial ran for eggo waffles. It showed... Read More
Whether we admit it or not, we operate by emotion.... Read More
The Question Really picture this in your mind.... Someone tells... Read More
"Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught... Read More
During moments of helplessness, there is always one thing that... Read More
Do you spend your time working towards that "one day... Read More
WOW ... what a question. But today, while I was... Read More
Can God really heal your pain? Does every trial come... Read More
Imagine yourself marooned on a vast deserted island. You have... Read More
The Planetary Spread is an excellent layout to use when... Read More
Spirituality |