Freedom.....

Freedom....what does it mean? Seriously, do I really understand the concept? Freedom, according to the dictionary... "the absence of coerion or constraint in choice or action; liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another; independence." As an American I know this, right?We are free from the imposed rule of England's King! We are free from our own imposed slavery of another race! We are free from an imposed religion! We are free to do as we chose, with whomever we choose, whenever we choose, etc....Free from the constraint of another, we are independent people! I wonder if the freedom that is celebrated today is bigger than we realized. I know that freedom is a concept that we all believe in, and yet living it is a bit more challenging. I know that there are many who do not feel free from coerion or constraint today. There are those who are enslaved to many things from which they can do nothing about. Freedom is easy to celebrate, it is much harder to realize.As I prepare to go to the parade and celebrate our Freedom, I am moved to prayer:Lord, grant us your insight into "freedom." Freedom that is larger and fuller than we have ever known. Lord, be with us today; for you have told us that "wherever that Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." Help us to understand that "Freedom" is a gift that you have given! Freedom is the gift of your Presence! Freedom is a relationship with You! Freedom is righteousness that comes from You and You alone. Lord, help us not only to celebrate our national freedom, but help us to live in the Freedom that is the results of Your Presence realized in our lives, today!  Lord, Thank You! Thank You for being with us and granting us "Freedom." Amen.