icre cream, fireworks & the freedoms of a foreigner

As I write this post many are in the midst of their 4th of July celebration.

BBQ, watermelon, homemade ice cream and fireworks.  The traditional 4th of July fare.

But my thoughts frequently travel back to a family I know from a landlocked country in West Africa.  They’ve lived in the US for 10 years.  Though the cultural and language barriers are still very distinct, they (and they’re kids) are acclimated to the US.

Recently the husband was accused of felony actions that landed him in jail.  The details are not appropriate nor necessary to share in this forum.  But the process through which this family has walked the past few months has been eye opening.

I love my country.  And I’m grateful for the freedoms I’m granted.  But I admit that I never understood the extent of the freedoms I enjoy… until today.  Watching this family battle within our legal system, having no inherent rights as a foreigner… I confess I didn’t realize the number of rights I’m granted simply b/c I’m a US citizen.

Watching this family as they have nothing to depend upon other than God and those through whom He works to meet their needs… it’s a difficult, freeing, beautiful place to be.

A freedom known only when we no longer cling to the promises of this world, but to the promises of Christ alone.  As much as I love my country, the United States cannot offer me such freedom.

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