Independence Day has a whole new meaning

Since we just celebrated the Independence of this great nation, WITH LEGAL FIREWORKS I might add, I took some time to think about what it means to celebrate independence in my own life.  This year has provided many opportunities to reflect on things that my family needs to celebrate the independence they have received from the circumstances each of us lives under.  For example, we are now grateful for the independence from:

• Chemotherapy treatments - my dad finished round 6 just before this fabulous holiday
• The lingering effects of a brain stem stroke - we are experiencing changes for the good even to this day
• The feeling of loneliness and even darkness from the hard circumstances of life - God is turning the mourning into joy

So as I celebrated the holiday with my daughter and my forever friend, while my husband and son were on an amazing adventure, I began to rejoice in the independence we are all experiencing as we embrace each new day of this new normal in life. 

Meanwhile, as I was giving thanks for all these blessings, God displayed His glory and favor to me - as only he can.  My son was at a USA Football camp all week with my husband.  It was the first time they have traveled together alone since the stroke.  Adam managed the day to day tasks, encouraged our son when things were hard and even got to celebrate the 4th of July in an amazing way.

Our son finished camp by playing a football game on the Hall of Fame field in Canton, Ohio - ON THE FOURTH OF JULY - where he had numerous great punts and even scored a PAT (see video) and putting a point on the board for his team who ended up winning the game!  It was a momentous occasion that I am sure he has not even realized the full weight of yet - but one day he will be able to recant that story as one of his glorious moments in life.  After he scored the point, his teammates all lifted him on their shoulders and carried him off the field.  It had been a difficult week for both of my guys, but that one moment made it all worth it!

So what do you need independence from today?  Fear? Doubt? Insecurity? Disease? God is able to give independence from all those and so much more.  Ask and believe and see what He can do for nothing is impossible with God!  

Thank you Lord for carrying us through the dark days and providing a way to celebrate our independence from the darkness of this world through the little - and big - victories we achieve every day.