Free to Be Me

One of my favorite songs as I was growing up was "Free to Be Me" by Francesca Battistelli.  I used to jam out to this song, thinking that I was super cool.  The lyrics have stuck with me through the years.

When I was just a girl

I thought I had it figured out

See, my life would turn out right

And I'd make it here somehow

But things don't always come that easy

And sometimes I would doubt

'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But perfection is my enemy

On my own I'm so clumsy

But on your shoulders I can see

I'm free to be me

And you're free to be you

I’m thankful for my freedom in Christ.  Living in this country, we can freely worship without fear.  To gather in community and to freely proclaim the name of Jesus.  Not only can I be “free to be me” as the song says, but I can live freely as a daughter of Christ.  Without fear of condemnation or death because of my faith.

I’m thankful for the freedoms I’ve grown up having.  I have learned that I can be thankful in all seasons.  It doesn’t necessarily mean that I agree with everything along the way.  But I’ve been given wisdom to follow.  God has given us His Word to guide us through all seasons of life.

Proverbs 8:33

Listen to my instruction and be wise.  Don’t ignore it.

As believers, if we follow and obey the Word of God, we will be successful in all things.  We will be following God’s will for our lives while trusting Him to lead and guide us along the way.  It won’t come without its share of challenges, but we will not be alone.

As we celebrate our country’s freedom this week, may we not forget the sacrifices made by so many so that we can live our lives.  Also, those who have lost their lives because they stood up for their faith.  Prosecution is still a very real thing in this world.  Our ability to read Scripture, gather at church to worship, and publicly praise Jesus is a gift.  We shouldn’t be afraid to stand firm in our faith, even if it comes with a cost.  If we are not being persecuted for being a believer, it should be all the more reason to shout the name of Jesus from the rooftops.  Our world is in desperate need of Jesus.

Are you thankful today?  I hope you’ll be willing and eager to share what you’re thankful for today.  There’s a world out there waiting to hear it.