freedom

Hey y'all!

This week I wanna talk about many things but they all relate to freedom in one way or another. When we think of the word freedom we tend to relate it to politics, our country, or going off to college and making our own decisions, trust me I'm going to talk about all of that but I am also going to talk about the freedom found in Christ.

I don't have much to say about freedom at college except for that fact that you shouldn't let it go to your head. I often stay out way later than I did while living at home but considering I am being responsible and not doing anything I wouldn't do while at home it hasn't caused any problems.

Now on with politics. Last week I went to the Trump rally with my dad. The rally was basically meant to rev up Mississippi voters for the elections. It was my second rally and I had a great time. I was definitely revved up as it was must first time being eligible to vote. I coined the phrase "Political fan girl" at the first rally I went to so yeah that's me, thriving. The most significant election for Mississippi was for the governor position. Most of Mississippi was divided on who they were to choose. I personally knew from the beginning. I had done a lot of research and knew exactly who would best represent my values in our government. The candidate I voted for ended up winning and boy was I thankful. That Tuesday night Mississippi could have became a blue state with a governor who was funded by corrupt California politicians and supported abortions and Hilary Clinton. I stayed up until the results were announced because I could not stand the idea of my freedoms being limited if the race had taken a different turn. Continuing on the topic of abortions, I faced my first major disagreement with a liberal view in one of my classes. We were watching a documentary on feminism which is an entirely different movement I disagree with but as part of the video they talked about their support for abortions. After a great deal of thought I made the decision to leave class. I was polite and used the time as a restroom break. I returned only to grab my things at the end of class. It was insane to think that while so many people are trying to infringe on my rights, the same people are fighting to make killing a living baby a legal right for women. And all the while, I am sitting through a class that involves watching a documentary about it.

This week was also freedom week and the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. The Berlin wall falling represented the fall of communism in Germany. To most this is seen as a great day but not one of much importance. I learned over the summer and this past week just how significant it was. For those who don't know, communism completely infringes on the freedom of religion. As Americans we can't really grasp this concept but after my mission trip to a previously communist country I understand much better. It burdens my heart deeply that there are people who cannot freely serve our Lord. This should burden the hearts of all Christians, just saying. In honor of the anniversary of events my university's YAF chapter tabled to celebrate and educate with a mock wall that I personally got to tear down. I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed hitting the cinder-block wall with that hammer maybe more than I should've.

The week ended with a veterans parade in my town and the military appreciation game at Ole Miss. These events reminded me of how much our freedoms we have in America cost. We are truly so blessed and should be extremely grateful.

Speaking of the cost of freedoms can we talk for a second about the freedom in Christ and how much that cost Him. Christ came to the earth with a proclamation of freedom (Luke 4:18). God's word says in John 8:36 that "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This freedom, just like the freedom of our country did not come free. Christ lived a persecuted life and was crucified all in order for us as believers to be freed from the captivity of our sins. At Delight [college women's ministry] this week we talked about shame and the freedom we have received from it. We all have secrets sins that constantly hold us captive. I personally have held mine in forever only telling a few select people. Its a sin that I have already received forgiveness for and that I seldom struggle with now but the devil has done his best to still enchain me with these sins. It was not until a few years ago that I learned how to combat the devil and his scheme. It was through hearing a simple story at church camp that I found the key. Luke 7 talks about a woman who has many sins but is forgiven. Christ says in verses 47 through 50 that he forgives her and that because of that she has much love. My life verse is verse 50 where it says "And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” This verse spoke to me and led me to understand that even though I have sinned much, God loves much, and forgives much and therefore I have much freedom from the things that once held me captive. The peace spoken of in this verse is the same peace I felt and the same peace spoken of in our Delight devotion. The writer of this weeks devotion said "Peace. I start to feel this for the first time...My sweet savior has met me and taken away this shame. I am free from this. I have never known this feeling before."

I am so thankful for the freedoms I have living in this GREAT country and being a child of a GREAT God!

Thanks for the love and support.

As always, love ya and stay tuned!

Emily ♡

p.s. Epstein didn't kill himself iykyk