Let Freedom Ring

This year I have pondered Freedom in a different way than I have in the past. I will share with you a couple of reasons why.
1. Freedom to travel, unrestricted, to visit family and friends. Some countries are in a civil unrest right now. Citizens are terrified to travel even to the next city in fear of being killed by a roadside bomb or a suicide bomber. We were able to travel to Temple, TX to visit family this past holiday weekend with no comprehension of that kind of terror.
2. Freedom to watch a parade, with different views from different organizations, churches and businesses with no fear of repercussion from our government. It was amazing to see people applaud our military as they passed in the parade as well as those that serve on our local police and fire houses. We also saw floats from churches that were playing gospel songs and it was a joy to know that because of the freedom we have, they will not be locked up in jail for their beliefs.
3. Freedom to pray. On Saturday evening we went to a local rodeo in Belton, TX. At the opening, they offered up a prayer of thanksgiving and safety over the participants of the rodeo. Again, it made my heart burst with pride to know that in our country, because of the wars that have been fought on our behalf, we have the right to pray however we wish, wherever we wish.
4. Freedom to go to church. Sunday morning service at Bethal was incredible! I think about the underground churches in so many parts of the world that do not know what it is like to be able to openly go to church.