As we celebrate Juneteenth, the day the last enslaved people in the United States finally received word of their freedom, I can’t help but reflect on the layered reality of what freedom truly means.
As a Black woman in this world, I know all too well that freedom isn’t always experienced equally. The truth is, people of color still walk through systems and spaces where justice and opportunity aren’t handed out in the same measure. That reality can be heavy. It can make you feel like true freedom is still just out of reach.
But then I remember who I am in Christ.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
That’s the kind of freedom that doesn’t depend on laws or man-made systems. It’s eternal. It’s healing. It’s soul-deep. It’s the kind of freedom that breaks chains you didn’t even know were there, chains of shame, fear, sin, and self-doubt. And in that freedom, I’ve found peace, purpose, and identity that this world cannot give and cannot take away.
Today, as we honor Juneteenth and reflect on the pain and progress, I’m also reminded of the greater freedom I’ve been given through Christ. And with that freedom comes a calling, not just to celebrate, but to love. Deeply. Boldly. Compassionately.
We are called to be gracious, empathetic, and kind to all people. Not just those who look like us. Not just those who agree with us. But to everyone. Because Christ didn’t set us free just for us to walk in pride, He set us free so we could reflect His love in a hurting world.
So, as we reflect today, I challenge you:
Be mindful of your freedom
Be grateful for the One who gave it
Be a reflection of His love wherever you go
Because true freedom is found in Christ, and FREE looks good on you.
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Thank you for writing boldly for Christ. Raised in a white, middle-class family, I cannot fully comprehend your perspective and experiences. But I was raised in the military, where we really didn’t have color distinctions in the schools I attended (although I am sure there were discriminations in the adult workplaces). I attended college and taught in Black neighborhoods in Washington, DC, where I became friends with adults of color, and had a small taste of the vastly different conditions and worldviews and treatments in our cultures.
In this world of sin, I am embarrassed / ashamed of how people treat others. I feel the same about child trafficking, child abuse, poverty, and other areas of deep deprivation.
I am comforted in knowing God has a plan for each of His precious children; and that He has a plan for me to be His ambassador and worker where He calls me.
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Hey Kathy. I appreciate you being candid and sharing your story. I just wish others would try to be more empathic towards the experience of others. It also saddens me that those of us who profess to be believers are not burdened or moved by what truly breaks the heart of God. If we aren’t , then who are we really representing. That is not who Christ has called us to be. Like you, the weight of what is going on around us often exhausts me but I can remind hopeful because of who He is.
Again, thanks for always supporting and sharing.
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One of my daily prayers is that Christians would act like Christians – that we all would read and obey His Word, fall on our knees and truly repent. If God’s people would all do that – what a difference there would be!
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Hey Kathy. You are so right. We could really win souls for the kingdom. My prayer is that I will be a soul winner and a reflection of Him. I know I have alot of work to do.
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