Red, White, and Freedom

It is hard to fathom all of the ways I am blessed by freedom just because I live in the United States of America. I woke up this morning and the sun shining in through my window was my first reminder that I was born in a place that allows women to be independent and own their own homes. I was waking up in the bedroom of my home, that I pay for, that I mow the lawn of, and in that moment, I was overwhelmed with pride. 

But freedom isn't free, is it? We have lost thousands of men and women fighting for that freedom. And even those we do not lose in combat, we may lose "here". People come back changed and they are not the same. Freedom is something that has a price and as a society, we should be reminded that while today is a day to thank the good Lord for the blessings we have because of our independence, we should also say a prayer for those who have fought for the freedom and whose lives were forever changed. PTSD, veteran suicide, and all of the trials and tribulations of military spouses and families, those are things to pray for today to... all while praising the Lord for that freedom that we love so much.

As I got off work today, I was honestly mentally exhausted. I came home and put on some of my favorite red, white, and blue, and just sat in my front yard and thought about what freedom has given me. Freedom has:

• Allowed my country to practice religion according to their will without government reprimand.
• Given me permission to fall in love with who God has planted in my life instead of an arranged marriage.
• Allowed me to be an independent women who can provide for her daughter by being a goal driven career woman. :) Side note: I usually hate reflecting on this element but I realized that I am proud that the only thing that defines my success is me and my commitment to being who the Lord created me to be. 
• Given my family a country to call home even though our bloodlines show we are rooted all in other countries. 
• Provided us with communities to truly become a nation united. While we are not perfect at this and our country suffers disparities in places from here to there, we are still FREE to create community and governed under the model that we can create social change.

After I got through these five, I just put down my pen. The list could go on and on. But my puppy was telling me he wanted me to throw the ball for him and my heart was telling me that anyone who read this could write their own list. While we celebrate freedom today, let's not forget prayers of gratitude to whoever you pray to for what it is about that freedom we are grateful for and prayers of love and safety for those who have fought for our freedom (as well as their families). 

God Bless America!

One of my favorite pictures of my sweet girl one year ago today.