Message of the Day from Rev. Mary White
Good Day and Blessings,
Freedom is living without restrictions. But, with freedoms come responsibilities. If in a free society, we are all to be free, then the only way this reality can function is to respect each other’s freedoms. This puts limitations on our liberties. We have a Hate Law, and certain books are not permitted in Canada. If we are to live in a country where love prevails, then we need laws that protect ourselves and others.
As well, some personally identify with their possessions and these material things have such importance that they keep us from truly knowing freedom. Khris Kristofferson’s words are true “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” By letting go of the way we think of possessions, these external forces will no longer hold us captive.
With Love,
Rev. Mary White
Poem: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
by Maya Angelou
A free bird leaps on the back
Of the wind and floats downstream
Till the current ends and dips his wing
In the orange suns rays
And dares to claim the sky.
But a BIRD that stalks down his narrow cage
Can seldom see through his bars of rage
His wings are clipped and his feet are tied
So he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
Of things unknown but longed for still
And his tune is heard on the distant hill for
The caged bird sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
And the trade winds soft through
The sighing trees
And the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright
Lawn and he names the sky his own.
But a caged BIRD stands on the grave of dreams
His shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
His wings are clipped and his feet are tied
So he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
With a fearful trill of things unknown
But longed for still and his tune is heard
On the distant hill
For the caged bird sings of freedom.
Reading Galatians 5:13-15 (MSG)
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence:
Love others as you love yourself.
That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?
PRAYER
Freeing Spirit
You have swept over the earth and breathed life into all things. We are grateful to you for giving to us life that is full and free. May we be mindful to the knowledge that all you give is priceless and cannot be bought. Help us to see life as grace given from Love. Through the life and example of Jesus, may we spread that same Love to all we meet. May we be renewed and empowered to serve through wisdom and experience, knowledge and insight, faith and love each and every day. We pray in the name of the One who guides us.
Amen