ON THE PORCH
FREEDOM ISN’T FREE
Freedom isn’t free at all, that it comes with the highest of costs. The cost of blood. ~ Lena Headey
At 4:03 a.m. every morning the alarm went off, and I stumbled out of bed. To tell the truth, most mornings on the way to the kitchen I probably mumbled something about “God not even being awake at this hour.”
In those dark, wee hours of the mornings, I was reminded daily that freedom isn’t free, it comes at a cost, and I only played a supporting role to a daughter in training. I paid with a few hours of sleep each night, which was a measly offering.
I tried to set my alarm with Sierra’s schedule, so she would know she wasn’t alone. I wanted her to know someone was back home was awake and praying, even in the dark hours of the night. During basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, we only spoke to Sierra once a week for 15 – 30 minutes. So, Benny, Brandon and I wrote her a letter every day. She said those were her “bedtime stories.” Those days began with pictures from the day before and fast and furious typing, trying to give words of encouragement. Her next phase of training was AIT in San Antonio. The only thing that changed was our method of communication with her. She had access to her phone before and after training hours. So, our letters changed to 4 a.m. texts of “Good morning” and encouragement for the hours to come, and texts late at night to close the day.
Because America has a history of brave men and women who sacrificed their sleep, health, time, energy, body, strength, comforts, dreams, desires, and sometimes even their lives, I can wake up in Sudan, Texas, of the United States of America every morning without worry. I can go about my day without concern of being in shackles or bondage. Our physical freedom literally cost the life blood of many, many courageous men and women who were willing to serve.
Our spiritual freedom also came with an outrageous price tag, the blood of Jesus. He surrendered His seat in Heaven at God’s right hand to be born among us, live among us, and die a cruel death on a cross to guarantee our freedom. He took the sins of all of His past, current, and future creations on His own shoulders to buy our eternity. I cannot think of a harsher, more noble sacrifice than that. Jesus could have called legions of angels in His defense, but He didn’t. He stayed on that cross until death. That act of love settled the matter of our spiritual freedom, once and for all.
Just as our soldiers and their families have given of themselves and continue to sacrifice to ensure the freedom of America, God gave up the most precious thing He ever had, His one and only Son. And Jesus gave up His glory, his freedom, and His life to offer salvation to His children.
It is our choice to walk in that liberty or refuse it. The price has been paid in full, it costs us nothing. It is our choice whether to accept His gift or decline it.
Today, I want to walk hand in hand with Jesus and be SO grateful for His sacrifice and the sacrifices of all those heroes who have fought for our freedom and independence and continue to.
Sierra graduated from training and will serve in the Army Reserves for several more years. After that relatively short amount of time supporting her, I have a greater understanding and deeper appreciation of what is required of our men and women and their families to train and prepare to defend our country if necessary.
I hope to never again take my freedom for granted. Tonight, as I watch the fireworks in celebration of the independence of our nation, I want to use those explosions as prompts for prayers of thankfulness for the numerous sacrifices made on my behalf. I am so thankful each morning I can wake as a free woman. Free on the inside and free on the outside because of Jesus, God, and those men and women who have gone before me.
Good morning, LORD. On this 4th of July as we celebrate the independence of our country, please remind us that we are also rejoicing in the freedom of our souls. That is only possible because You loved us so much, You were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. Thank You for giving up glory to “set the captives free.” LORD, I ask for special blessings for those who have served our country in the past, are serving currently, and for those families who have walked with them through it. I ask for protection and provision for our military. Please let us never forget why we are free and what the price tag was.
**For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
**Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
**So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
**I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out Your precepts. Psalm 119:45
**“The Spirit of the Lord is on me ,because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. Luke 4:18
GOD BLESS THE USA
LEE GREENWOOD W/MILITARY
ON THE PORCH 