Truly Free

There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere. - Nelson Mandela

Recovery Road, just like life, is no easy walk.

Before taking a step, the zones of bondage versus freedom must be identified.

What areas are thick and dense, constricting and confining?

What areas are scenic spots to breathe in fresh air, revitalize, and feel truly free?

Truly free to nourish, not using a diet gimmick of "free foods" in a confining daily tally.

Truly free to express, not fawning, "Really, I'm ok."

Truly free to feel, not numbing or avoiding.

Is it possible to be truly free?

A young woman had this question in her heart as she searched her bookshelf for wisdom.

She found a book left to her by her aging father.

As she pulled it off the shelf, the soft Bible felt like a well-worn guidebook in her hands as she opened it.

On the inside cover, she was drawn to the careful cursive of her father:

"My child...there is no question for which this Book does not have an answer."

She chose to open it.

To journey through it and with it.

Just to see for herself.

And as she did, the Book spoke about freedom and truth:

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - Jesus in John 8:31

The map to freedom:

Locate Word.

Move toward Truth.

Find Freedom.

IF you abide.

Choose to abide. Or not. It's free-will.

Abide in My Word.

Word is Person. (The Word became flesh to dwell among us. John 1:1.)

Word is Possibility. (With God all things are possible. Matt. 19:26)

Word is Presence. (I am present with you in Spirit. Col 2:5)

You are My disciples indeed.

Abiding gives permission to learn as we trek.

Following Truth makes us perpetual followers who will often fall.

But we will not fail if we keep trekking with the Guide.

But what about the terrain?

What about the areas which feel impossible, or impassable?

When we name the hardships, we claim space for Possibility.

How can I be free from...

incessant worry over food and body?

the nagging habit of negativity?

bottling up feelings?

When we name a direction, we open to the Presence of hope.

How can I be free to feel a sense of...

food and body freedom?

a hopeful attitude?

releasing feelings?

When we call on the Name of our Guide, we are not alone in our need.

(The Person as Guide has numerous names specific to our needs.)

Step by step, we can move toward freedom.

Because the power of freedom?

Oh. My. God. And. Yours...

The power.

"...to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains,

but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” - Nelson Mandela

The movie, "The Sound of Freedom," is proof of the power of freedom.

Freedom in the face of the unthinkable human trafficking of children.

One godly man promised, "God's children are not for sale."

Freeing children became his purpose.

Truly Free is Truly Power to free ourselves and free others.

But it starts with If. If You Abide.

Choose, and choose now, because every action or inaction is a direction toward or away from freedom.

And please. Know the warning signs on the map of life, of recovery, of freedom.

The most dangerous road is labeled, "I don't know."

The road that is utter nonsense is marked, "I don't have time."

The path that is a dead-end is named, "I don't think I can."

And then there's the road to realization. "This is going to be costly." Yes. This road is right.

Freedom. Is. Not. Free.

Ask those who have served their country in duty.

Ask those who work to restore a body with disease or disorder.

Ask those who work to keep their minds free from despair.

Ask those who work to keep their souls free from despondency.

Freedom. Is. Not. Free.

Ask anyone who continues to try to make choices for Good.

Ask anyone who has given their life for others.

Ask anyone of faith.

Freedom takes Faith plus Action.

The freedom to experience trust requires being trustworthy.

The freedom to experience peace requires being a peace-maker.

The freedom to experience enjoyment requires seeking, finding and sharing joy.

Grow faith to grow freedoms.

Grow faith to grow freely.

Grow faith to go in peace.

What is the cost of faith, for freedom?

The worn Bible held in the hands of the young daughter promised freedom.

She noticed that every small book within the Good Book told a freedom story.

Every single prophet of hope had experienced hardship and bondage.

But every single prophet of hope had a freedom message to share. By faith.

By faith... (see Hebrews, chapter 11).

By faith, Abraham...

By faith, Isaac...

By faith, Joseph...

By faith, Rahab...

By faith, You....

By faith, I...

By faith, we...

By faith, YES.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou

A free bird leaps

on the back of the wind

and floats downstream

till the current ends

and dips his wing

in the orange sun rays

and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks

down his narrow cage

can seldom see through

his bars of rage

his wings are clipped

and his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill

of things unknown

but longed for still

and his tune is heard

on the distant hill

for the caged bird sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks

of another breeze

and the trade winds soft

through the sighing trees

and the fat worms waiting

on a dawn bright lawn

and he names the sky his own

But a caged bird stands

on the grave of dreams

his shadow shouts

on a nightmare scream

his wings are clipped

and his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill

of things unknown

but longed for still

and his tune is heard

on the distant hill

for the caged bird sings of freedom.