Dear Church, freedom looks good on you...

On the eve on Independence Day, I am struck by what it means to be free…because freedom always comes at a high cost. It’s more than walking on the streets and knowing I am safe. It’s more than going to work every day and knowing that I have an income. It’s more than a cookout and more than soaking up some sun on the beach. It’s more than family gathered celebrating the ones here and missing the ones not. Those are all fabulous, wonderful gifts that stem from freedom—but the freedom I am most thankful for, the freedom that shakes me to my core, is the one that that was bought for me on the Independence Day that changed history over 2,000 years ago off on a hill called Calvary.

A high cost—precious blood spilled. An eternal impact—sons and daughters sealed and set free. An unwavering hope—our freedom has a name, His name is Jesus and Heaven is our Home. Have you sat and thought about the depth of this freedom recently? If not, I invite you to take some time, it’s so worth it!

I also invite you to evaluate, are you living as a son or daughter truly set free? Scripture reminds us in 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.”

As we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as a nation, may we not forget the far greater freedom we’ve been given through Christ. Let us walk boldly in that liberty, reflecting His love, grace, and truth to a world still in desperate need of it.

May your celebration be joyful, your heart be full, and your spirit be renewed in the freedom that can never be taken away.

For King and Kingdom,

Audreyand Kingdom,

Audrey