A Magnolia's Heart Beats

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the
creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption
and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”~
Romans 8:18-21 (ESV emphasis Irene's)

Irene wrote:

"Since we are celebrating this up-coming weekend Independence Day in the US, I thought about the word ‘Freedom’ or being ‘Free’. For me, true freedom only comes by knowing Jesus.
As you are celebrating this weekend, think about that freedom always comes with a price. Thankfully my way to heaven has been purchased with the blood of Christ. So, this week, my thankful list includes (but is not limited to)…" and she lists her precious list of things to be thankful for.

I, too, am thankful.

Freedom is truly something to be thankful for. A huge penalty is often paid by few for the freedom of many.

God sacrificed His Son so that we could have eternal life. Christ gave up His life on the cross, bearing our sins so that we would not have to pay the penalty for them ourselves. If God never blessed me with anything else, I could not thank Him enough for that.


Military men and women have sacrificed their lives fighting for the freedom of our country. How blessed are we that we are not sitting in a tank, walking through a landmine field, enduring freezing or scorching temperatures and countless other hardships to ensure our freedom?


I am thankful for the sacrifice that comes for the price of freedom, and for those willing to sacrifice for me. Foremost, Christ for eternal freedom, then military men and women for my earthly liberty. I am thankful I live in a country where I don't have to walk 10 feet behind my husband and worry that all he has to do is say, "I divorce you!" three times and the deed is done if I mess up. I'm thankful I live in a country where I'm not afraid to be caught with a Bible, where I can choose to worship God openly, witness to others, and just openly walk with Christ.

"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die." - Romans 5:7

Who am I that not only Christ but men and women are willing to give their lives for my various forms of freedom? Who am I, indeed? A speck of dust, not even "good" by my own standards. Very humbling. See my post below, though. Christ died to make me good enough in His eyes. He cleansed me.

I am thankful, indeed!