True Freedom

It's been a crazy Summer which is why there have been so few blog postings. My son had his tonsils and adnoids out and I spent a few days in the hospital as the doctors tried to figure out what caused my GI track to be so out of control the past few months. On top of that, the love of my life has been traveling extensively. It's been a summer of single parenting a sick kid while being sick myself.

Someone told me last week they thought it was crazy that my life went so nuts after finally making the choice to follow God on the road into ministry. Others have questioned my decision to go into ministry if my life is "going to be like this". Something I've come to realize is that there is true freedom in all of this craziness. While some see this as my putting a big "kick me" sign on my back, I see all this as a blessing.

"A blessing?" you may ask, "How can being sick while single parenting a sick kid, going to school and teaching this summer be a blessing?"

The blessing is realizing that I have TRUE FREEDOM. No, I don't have control over my circumstances. I have TOTAL CONTROL over how I perceive them and how I react. I have TRUE FREEDOM because Jesus is my Savior and He controls my destiny.

Freedom is a big topic these days. So much so that there is a group of Americans trying to convince America that having a belief system puts us in bondage. Take a look at this sign I saw not long ago:

The thought behind this sign is that life without religion brings true freedom. I understand the main point of the group is separation of church and state, which I totally support, but why go on a rampage against the church? To me it is just one more sign of the times we live in and the growing anger against those of us who believe in Jesus Christ.

This should not come as a surprise to us. Jesus Himself told us this was coming: "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes." Matthew 10: 17-23

So, is it a blessing that my life has been crazy and people are telling me to question my calling?

YES!

It is hard for me to put into words how I can have faith in Jesus despite my circumstances. One of the best ways I know to worship God and to communicate to others His awesomeness is through music. So, without further ado, let one of my favorite singers explain this to you:

I'm Letting Go by Francesca Battistelli (listen here)

My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge

Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back

(Chorus)
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
I’m losing control
Of my destiny
It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

(Chorus)

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid

(Chorus)

Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me