Freedom Begins Within

Well, hello, my valued listeners, and welcome to a brand new month of Living in Your Power. I'm your host, Dr. Marlene Greenleaf, and as always, I am just so grateful that you have chosen to spend this time with me today. As we welcome the month of July, many of us We celebrated Independence Day over this past weekend. Independence Day, it's a time to reflect on freedom, sacrifice, and the blessings we often enjoy without giving them much thought. So while our nation celebrated freedom, today's episode invites us to consider another kind of freedom. A freedom that isn't found in our surroundings but within our hearts. Because it is possible to appear free on the outside while still carrying fear, worry, regret, or unforgiveness on the inside. So this month's theme, it's Living Free: Walking Daily in Purpose and Peace. Now, throughout this series, we'll explore what it truly means to live with the freedom that comes from trusting God, protecting our peace, and walking confidently in our purpose. Today's episode, the first In our July series, it's entitled Freedom Begins Within. So now let's dive in. Now, when you hear the word freedom, what, what comes to mind? I mean, perhaps you think about independence, the ability to choose, the opportunity to pursue your dreams. Or maybe you think about Breaking free from something that has held you back. That something could be fear, doubt, people pleasing. I know I'm guilty of that one. The, the weight of expectations, maybe. But the truth is, many of us spend years trying to change our circumstances Because we believe that where freedom is found, because we believe, I'm sorry, that that's where freedom is found. Now, if I had a different job, if I had more time, if things were easier, then I'd finally feel free. But freedom, my dear listeners, is much deeper than our circumstances. True freedom begins within. It's found in the way we think, the way we trust, the way we release what no longer serves us, and the way we choose to walk forward even when life isn't perfect. Our scripture verse is found in John 8:36. That's King James Version. It says, if the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. Now this is a popular verse. I'm sure you've heard it many times before. If the Son Therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. Now, I love the certainty in this verse. It doesn't say we might be free. It says we shall be free indeed. Now that's a promise. Jesus wasn't speaking only about external freedom. He was speaking about the kind of freedom that changes us from the inside out. The freedom to let go of shame. The freedom to stop living according to the opinions of others. The freedom to become who God created us to be. And when we begin living from that place, our decisions Our relationships become healthier. Our leadership becomes more authentic. Why? Because we are no longer striving to prove our worth. We're simply living from it. One of the greatest shifts we can make in moving from fear to freedom One of the greatest shifts we can make is moving from fear to freedom. Fear asks, what if I fail? But freedom asks, what if I grow? Fear says, stay where it's comfortable. But freedom whispers, trust the next step. Fear, my dear listeners, keeps us focused on limitations. Freedom reminds us of possibilities. Now, living free doesn't mean we won't experience fear from time to time. Absolutely not. It simply means that fear no longer gets to make our decisions. It means choosing faith over fear, peace over pressure, purpose over perfection. And every day we have the opportunity to, to ask ourselves, am I making this decision from fear Or from freedom? That one question, that one question has the power to change everything. So now let's return to today's promise. It says, if the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. Freedom is not something you have to earn. It is something you receive. And once you've received it, you can choose to live it. Now, our empowerment prompt. I want you to spend a few moments reflecting on these questions this week. You say, where in my life do I need greater freedom? Am I allowing fear to influence my decisions? What burdens am I ready to release? And what would it change if I fully embraced the freedom God has already given me? As always, I'll repeat those prompts for you. Reflect on these questions. Where in my life do I need greater freedom? Am I allowing fear to influence my decisions? What burdens am I ready to release? And what would change if I fully embraced the freedom God has already given me? Thank you, Marleen. I want you to remember, freedom isn't about having a perfect life. No, not at all. It is more about having a heart that is no longer held captive. So in closing, my dear listeners, as we begin this new month, I hope you'll remember this. The greatest freedom you'll ever experience isn't found in changing your circumstances. It's found in allowing God to change your heart. And when your heart is free, your perspective changes, your relationships change, your purpose becomes clearer, and your peace increases. So I want to thank you for joining me for this first episode in our July series, Living Free: Walking Daily in Purpose and Peace. Next week we'll continue our journey with Choosing Peace Every Day. Hmm. So until next time, dear listeners, As always, I want you to continue to live boldly in your power today. And if it gets tough, just breathe. You still got the strength to rise. So until next time, continue to live in your power. Thank you, Marleen.