Reflections on Freedom

"Too many of us are not living our dreams
because we are living our fears."
- Les Brown

"Sister, come near and listen:
You are smart and capable,
strong and wise.
You are an overcomer,
a prized member of the body of Christ.
You have so much to offer.
You can gather your girlfriend tribe
and raise kids together,
providing the happiest childhood they ever complained about.
You can crack open your Bible
and preach good news for the poor.
You can model faithful friendship around your table,
and you can stretch your hand across oceans to mamas everywhere.
You can do small work.
You can do big work.
You are so able in Jesus,
so beloved,
so permitted.
You are approved.
You are a worker.
You have no need to be ashamed.
You are a truth-teller.
You are a sanctioned,
honorable operative in the splendid task of loving God and people.
You have a role.
Your place is secure.
If not you, who?
Who else will deliver hope to your people?
Who else will embrace the weary and lonely?
Who else will teach the good Word and claim its promises?
Who else will laugh at the days to come with courage?
Who else will raise your children in strength?
Who else will take responsibility for your people and your place?
You will.
We will together.
We will cheer each other on,
refusing to speak doubt into our gifts.
It's time.
Don't wait for permission;
we've already been given it.
Lead, sister.
You have authority to use your home as a sanctuary,
your hands as tools of healing,
your voice as an instrument of hope,
your gifts as channels of incredible power.
Let's do this.
Let's fulfill the good word we've been commissioned to.
Silence any voice that whispers "not enough"
and stand in truth as an approved worker.
You are.
Jesus made you so.
If Jesus covered it all,
then He covered it all.
You are now approved,
like it or not.
Wrangle whatever holds you down
or holds you back.
You are too vital to lose years to regret
or shame or insecurity or fear.
We are not slaves to those masters;
Jesus saw to that.
Face your issues with courage, sister,
because truth and love win,
and you have both those cards to play."

- Jen Hatmaker (For the Love)

"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. 

Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed 

and who correctly explains the word of truth." 

(2 Timothy 2:15)

"Abide in His Word daily --- live free."

- Christine Caine (Unashamed)