Freedom!

White marks on the sidewalk were the only signs that remained of the massacre. It had occurred when a death squad killed street kids as they slept in front of a cathedral in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Concerned Christians had marked the sidewalk with chalk as a simple monument to these anonymous children.

If freedom means no rules, no parents to tell us what to do, no school, and no accountability for our whereabouts, then these kids were free. Maybe as children some of us even dreamed of having such freedom. But this tragedy helps us realize that freedom is more than living without structure or rules.

Freedom needs a foundation and a purpose to make it valuable. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, affirms freedom as an important part of the Christian life. But he also says to use this freedom for service and love.

Christians are called to freedom that creates safe places for abused and rejected children, that opens a space for young people to find direction for their lives, that helps people of all ages to find meaning and purpose. Freedom to make a positive difference in the world -- that is freedom indeed! "For freedom Christ has set us free. -Galatians 5:1 (NRSV)"

It is awesome to live in a Country that is ruled by the people and free from oppression. It is also a joy to celebrate our Country's freedom this week, but as we celebrate, let us never forget the price our fellow Americans have paid make to give us political freedom AND may we never forget the price Jesus paid to give us eternal freedom!

Have a great USA Independence Day and You know I love ya, Don