You Are Free Indeed!
Earlier this year, MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers), asked me to write a theme song for them this year. They didn't have a budget for the song, but I loved the theme so much that I took it upon myself to make the recording with the help of fans like you on Patreon.com/jjheller
THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG ... Do you have that one person in your life? The one who seems to be experiencing success and happiness in all of the ways that you wish for yourself? I do. I was following her on social media and every time I saw a post from her about the amazing things she was up to, I felt an ugly feeling of jealousy rise up in me and a sarcastic, "Well, good for you," ran uninvited through my thoughts.
The thing is, I love this person. She's absolutely amazing and I truly want her to succeed, but somehow I got caught up in the idea that her success meant my failure. But the Lord kept reminding me in those moments that her story is not my story. And praise God for that! I don't need to keep racing and striving to keep up. Even though it's easy to believe this life is a competition, the truth is there is space for all of us to thrive.
We all have our vices and demons we wrestle with. Some days it's easier to overcome them than others. But we can find freedom when we remember that Jesus has already set us free. He invites us to embrace our freedom to be who He's made us to be, and offer that freedom to others.
In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus says, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord."
Sometimes I find myself so wrapped up in my own fear, that I forget to live my life and notice the blessings and beauty around me. John A. Shedd says, “A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” We are built for adventure! We are made to navigate the waves knowing that Jesus is always right there in the boat with us.
"And if the Son has set you free, then you are free indeed!" (John 8:36)
You are wild and beautiful, my friend.
You are free indeed.
*jj