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The holiday weekend is fast approaching, and many of our thoughts are already on what food we will be eating, what activities we will be doing, and where we will watch the fireworks to celebrate.
So, how do you refer to this Holiday?
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Independence Day?
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The 4th of July?
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July 4th?
I have always said, “the 4th of July.”
However, this year, I find myself saying Independence Day.
Why the sudden change?
I mean, I’m no spring chicken and I have been calling it the 4th of July for over four decades.
It’s not as if I am young and impressionable and someone swayed my thinking.
Or did they?
But who?
As I sit contemplating the question of the hour, “When did I begin to refer to it as Independence Day?” I realize, that this is the first year I have referred to it as such.
Why the sudden change? Hmmm more pondering….
Lately I have had FREEDOM on my mind.
Every time, I say the word or hear the word lately, I want to scream at the top of my lungs – much like Mel Gibson did in the movie Braveheart… F R E E D O M !
I do refrain myself from actually screaming it, just in case my family thinks I have gone crazy. So, instead, I just imagine it in my mind being shouted that way.
Picture: Public Domain
Maybe, it’s because I am more aware that we live in a country that is Free and we have freedom because of the numerous men and women who have given their all so that others could live free.
True Confession: We’ve recently been watching all kind of movies and TV shows around the civil war, the World Wars and various Revolutions.
Maybe, I am more aware because I find myself surrounded by military men and women who choose to serve so that I can have freedom.
Maybe, I have freedom on my mind because there are constant reminders in the news and around the world, that very few places and people are truly free.
Maybe, I have freedom on my mind, because, I am walking in my own freedom.
Yes, I have kicked people pleasing to the curb. I have kicked the fear of what others think of me out the door. I’ve decided fear is no longer going to be a chain that holds be back – I am not a slave to fear any longer, I am free.
I no longer am worried about being right. I no longer need to seek recognition. I know longer need to worry about what you may or may not think about me. I no longer have an identity problems. I can stand confident in who I am and whose I am.
This Monday July 4th we celebrate the day that was set aside to commemorate the Independence of our Nation.
So, I ask again, who changed my mind to think differently about this holiday? I think all the things mentioned above have played an important part of opening my eyes to the importance of Independence and Freedom.
Yet, if I had to choose one, it is God who has been working in my heart and mind to change the way I think of this holiday. I mean, when you say Independence – the very word speaks of freedom, liberty, and walking unhindered.
I am reminded about a concept and common line from the book/move, “The Giver.” The phrase “Precision of language” was used very often.
To me, as I contemplate the true meaning of this holiday, and the need to remember and commemorate its importance – the precise language to use is … Independence Day.
Does that mean I will never again call it the 4th of July?
No, I am sure I will, but for now, I feel as if God is trying to impart a deeper spiritual message about the significance around the word Independence and walking in Freedom.
As we enter into this holiday weekend, let us also remember and celebrate that we were set free by what Christ did on Calvary.
He paid a price. He fought a war and won over death so that you and I could be FREE!
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Happy Independence Day!
What will you be doing to celebrate our Nations Independence?
What food are you looking forward to eating the most?
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Truly I think we are reflecting more on what this day really means. It’s scary to think some day we might not be able to celebrate this day. Love your pictures.
Debbie – Yes, it is a scary notion that someday we may not be able to celebrate this day… which makes it all the more special — Thanks, The pictures are of my flower pots, deck and flag from last summer – I need to go take some more of this years pots – I changed the colors up a bit. 🙂 Thank you for stopping in today
I think as we get older we realize our value and independence. I have always said the 4th of July but you have given me food for thought.
Debra – I do agree – the older we get the more we realize the value of freedom and independence… Plus, I completely understand, I have always said 4th of July – still do, even today I said it and it made me pause and think some more – I have been chewing on it for a while now myself. Have an awesome weekend
I have always said 4th of July, but I think you’ve just converted me ;). I agree with all of your reasons. The constant news stories you mentioned showing the lack of freedom for so many has affected me greatly. Thanks for the reminder of the most wonderful freedom of all, given by Christ. Happy Independence Day, Debbie. Have an awesome weekend!
Candace – you are most welcome for the reminder and you have an awesome weekend and Happy Independence Day too – it’s nice to have you back on the blogosphere
I hope you have a great independence day Debbie! Freedom is a precious gift… I guess part of why I wrote this weeks blog post on “Caring and the E.U”….. about the referendum in England…. was because although every one is criticizing the decision, it is a step towards freedom and regaining our sovereignty back and walking unhindered. Thank you for your post today. x
Thank you Jade! You are so right – freedom is a very precious gift – one we can often take for granted – I found myself your neighbor at several link ups today, so I got to read oyur post on “Caring and the E.U.” I really appreciate you weighing in on the conversation and really like how you are asking people to give time – a step toward freedom such as this is a big deal and one that needs time and space to walk it out. Have a great weekend
We will celebrate at our daughter’s with cornhole gaming,fireworks, and good food.
Not sure what I’m looking forward to eating…my daughter is a good cook so probably EVERYTHING!
hahaha Susan – I so appreciate you! – I am so looking forward to eating my friends potato salad this weekend and well, honestly all the other food too. Enjoy your time celebrating with your daughter and family – ok – being from the PNW – I have no idea what cornhole gaming is – do tell ???
God bless America!
Amen!
Debbie, what a beautiful post! I hope you have a lovely 4th celebrating our country’s Freedom and more importantly the Freedom that Jesus won for us!! Thank you for sharing and thank you for the visit and sweet comment at The Dedicated House. Feel free to share this post tomorrow at my Make it Pretty Monday party which goes live Mon at 8:00pm CST. Here is the link to this week’s past party so you can check it out. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2016/06/make-pretty-monday-week-181.html Have a lovely week ahead! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Kathryn – thanks so much and I did have fun – I am sorry I missed your link up this week, but I am going to check it out and see if it’s still open. I hope you had a great time celebrating as well.
Debbie, so much to think about! Funny, we just watched Braveheart again recently! I often think of the same cry from the end of the movie.
We still do have so many freedoms in this country, but like the ancient Israelites who were set free from bondage in Egypt so they could go and worship Him, so I believe were we! Let’s pray we don’t squander that freedom. A pastor friend used to say, “We’re not free to do whatever we want. We are free to do what’s right!”
Thanks for linking up at Mondays @ Soul Survival! Happy 4th of July … Independence Day!
Oh wow, that is fantastic that you just watched Braveheart – it’s one of my husbands all time favorites. I am agreeing with you in prayer that we do not squander our freedom and I love the quote from your pastor friend. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with me today.
“…let us also remember and celebrate that we were set free by what Christ did on Calvary.
He paid a price. He fought a war and won over death so that you and I could be FREE” AMEN! I am so thankful for the freedom I have in Christ. I don’t have to fear but can follow wherever He leads! Blessings! I’m your neighbor at #TestimonyTuesday.
Amen and Amen – absolutely – we can definitely follow where he leads when we don’t need to worry about fear.
This year I was more aware of it being “Independence Day” too!
I think it’s a very good thing to be more aware of at this time. Thanks for stopping by
Debbie, I appreciated your thoughts. Seeing the oppression around the world and reading the debates over whether the church is free to teach biblical principles that are contrary to the political culture make us aware of how precious independence is.
Debbie – you are so right – it seems the “culture f our times” s making it more evident just how important our Freedom and independence is. Thank you for stopping by today.
You’ve done it again. You always seem to choose the right words in the right thoughts to make me think about what’s going on in my life. Over the last few years, due to situations beyond our control, our world has become a lot smaller. We see fewer friends than we used to and go fewer places. But it’s caused me to become closer to God at the same time. It’s funny what it takes to open our minds and our hearts to what really matters in life. I agree not only is the Fourth of July about being free in this country it is about being free. I too have lost the need to please everyone and say yes to everything. I have to admit I still care what people think about me but not nearly so much as I used to. I still need to work on that one. LOL
Nikki – I am sorry that you are going through situations that you have no control over…however, the good in the midst of bad is that God is drawing you closer and keeping you safe and warm in the journey through this season. Pleasing people is something that I think I will always have to be mindful of and careful not to slip back into, but I am way better than I have ever been and that is a step in the right direction. Thank you for your encouragement in my writing and saying he right words – I am trying to not be so insecure when it comes to my writing and your words of encouragement really help 🙂 Sorry for the delay in my responding, I have had a crazy week.