Pink, White and Purple

Sunday morning as I perused my closet, I thought about the upcoming holiday and wondered what red, white and blue combination I would wear. Having several choices, my mind kept going to these fabulous pink suede pumps that had just been purchased the night before. Now there is a story to the pumps; but I’m going to try to not get sidetracked. Bottom line: $238 J Crew Italian Suede pumps for $35 at TJMaxx.  I like fashion… And the week before I’d found a great pair of long, wide leg, white Gap pants and a soft, long sleeve, button-to-your-neck, purple and white Chico’s top at our local KARM store for a really good deal. It was this combination that I wore on the Sunday before Independence Day.  I felt like a bit of a rebel at first; but, my freedom looks different than yours.  And isn’t that so true? As we think of the land of the free, I am so thankful for the freedom I have and the freedom I enjoy. Such a simple freedom to have the choice to pick out what to wear. As I’ve been thinking of going back to work, I’ve hoped that I wouldn’t have to wear a uniform. It may sound trite to you; but I truly enjoy the fabrics, textures and combinations of clothing.  I like the individuality of an outfit, of color choices and combinations. And so it is in Christ, HE offers so much to me, to us: HE offers freedom. And the freedom I enjoy, may look different from the freedom you enjoy. We have different backgrounds (or closets) and there are different clothes (or people or situations) in our lives. We are all called by unique callings.  We are all called by One Father though, who knows us and knows exactly what freedom we need.

Freedom has a cost.  I realize that the freedom I enjoy was paid for with a high cost. Christ paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Gratefulness wells up in me for the men and women who moving forward through the time of our country, gave their devotion and lives for my freedom. Likewise, I am indebted to a Savior that gave his very life for me. So much has been given for the sake of freedom.

There is a way out. No matter what enslaves us: a way of thinking, a mindset, a sin, a stronghold, an action that has become habitual, etc. I don’t know you and you don’t really know me (well you now know that I enjoy fashion!); but I know that Christ offers us freedom from whatever binds us, from whatever blinds us, from whatever bids us to its rut and routine. Wherever we are today – in whatever place we find ourselves, there is a way out. There is no lock on the door. I pray that you would seek HIM who is standing and waiting and offers freedom from what you feel enslaves.

LORD JESUS,
Thank you for freedom.
Thank YOU that when YOU set us free, it is individually-
We are not all the same;
But we go and speak and live in YOUR precious name!
Thank YOU that YOU paid the ultimate cost
So save us from a state of perpetually being lost.
YOU have made ways of escape
And we believe, it is never-ever to late.
Amen.