By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Several years ago, I shared a devotion about the importance of freedom. As we celebrate this day that represents America’s freedom and independence, I thought it was fitting to share again:
Growing up, my family had all sorts of critters living in our home. We had the usual companions: dogs, cats, hamsters, and fish, but we also had a few less traditional pets: a turtle, bunny, squirrel, and raccoon.
As far back as I can remember my dad was a hunter. The sport took him all over, even to Africa. However, most of his trips involved hunting wild game on our farm in Indiana. Some of dad’s trophy kills became a staple part of our diet.
Occasionally, my dad found orphaned babies on his excursions. I didn’t question why the babies were parentless. (I suppose naivety has its benefits.) Dad didn’t want to leave the helpless critters in the woods without their mother, so he brought them home and cared for them until they were old enough to return to the wild. One such animal was a raccoon we appropriately named Rascal. In no time, the domesticated rodent became our family pet and drew lots of attention during our daily walks around the block. Rascal grew to be quite large—more than thirty pounds.
Rascal seemed to enjoy being our pet for quite some time, but eventually he grew restless. A repeated screech from his barred enclosure indicated he yearned for freedom. During one of his routine feedings while the cage door was open, Rascal jumped out of his pen and ran for the woods. I never saw him again.
Raccoons are meant to be free, and so are we. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b)
Jesus died on the cross to give us life and set us free, yet many remain in bondage, even though their cage door is standing wide open. It is time to wake up and take our freedom. It is time run the life-race that God has marked out for us. And it is time to help others find their way to freedom too.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).
END NOTE: Fireworks represent the sound of freedom in America. However, on this day, I wanted to direct your attention to a different type of freedom sound, the kind heard in a movie theater. Sound of Freedom is must see film based on a true story. It has just been released and is a movie every adult should see. It’s time to fight for the freedom of those who cannot fight for themselves.
Link to Sound of Freedom movie trailer.
And here’s a link to find a movie theater near you.
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