Smells Like Freedom

Humans need freedom. We get caught up in what people might say – what they might think – keeping peace at all costs.  That’s not who I am or have been, because people tried to tell me who I was and what I should think for too long.  So my best direction has been to just let faith and hope lead me. . .

But don’t let me tell you how to think . . .

So ~ I tried to teach my kids the same truths, to believe that their decisions aren’t determined by opinionated opinions that tug and wrestle with your head.  But instead grind your cleats into the dust from what’s found in your heart. And all four are free thinkers that stand in their space, even if it’s not the same as mine.  And that’s honest.

You may have noticed, today (and everyday) opinions don’t seem to matter unless it agrees with the masses – and as long as it’s current.

My current opinion comes from ancient truth from the pages in my lap.

The freeing message in Galatians 5 is that we’re sprung from the power of sin but unfortunately we live like we’re still locked up.  Full freedom is available to the children of God when we stand firm and live it out.  It makes it real.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.  Galatians five-one

I can easily re-visit the days of my reluctant-rebel-me that went forward Just as I Am  in a small Bensalem church.  If personal opinions were allowed to rule over me then, I would’ve made a u-turn in the aisle. It wasn’t easy to go back and face the sneers and expressions of the circle that made up my life at the time.

The holy fragrance continues to linger on my flesh and soul from the life-saving day.  I remember the scent of the lady who prayed over me in the back of the church.  As I’ve said over the years “it smelled like freedom” and more than many ask what freedom smells like.  Well, it used to smell like patchouli-soaked skin dancing in the Woodstock mud when I foolishly thought that’s where peace and freedom reigned down. 

True freedom smells like heaven – and for me, it’s the scent of my babies after a bath, the mix of pure and love.  Or a sun-baked grandchild coming in from the rain holding a wet puppy and a dandelion, the mix of pure and real.  Laying those littles on cool sheets in warm pajamas gathered from the clothes line – a fine freedom.

And it’s combat boots filled with wildflowers – because you can still stand your ground and your peace.

So all the pure and real has kept me standing firm for what I believe. In and through Jesus.  Our only freedom.

(All you dear ones who need the Mercy Me rendition of a Tom Petty song, “Won’t Back Down” — check out a plain spoken anthem to stand your ground whether secular or sacred on youtube).