Freedom Is Yours. Take It.

We live in the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. A place where independence abounds and liberty overflows to all of its citizens. A place of true freedom.

I've traveled the world and I've seen countries that don't have true freedom like we do here in the big US of A. I've seen countries that ration food out to their residents. I've seen countries where poverty is a noose around a generation's neck. I've seen countries where religion is controlled and overseen by the government. In these places, there's hardly any (if not any) wiggle room for growth. There's hardly any opportunity for expansion and development - in every area of life. It's terrifying to see citizens that are limited in their resources and support in life.

But, here in America, it's different. A good kind of different. We have the freedom to act, think or say what we want without anyone hindering us or restraining us. We have the independence to go out and create our own businesses, to worship freely, to travel where we want, to love who we want, and to do what we love. We can do whatever our mind and heart yearns to do because of the freedom that our country has established for its citizens.

What are you doing with the freedom that you are given everyday? Are you taking full advantage of this blessing that was placed in our lives many years ago? Sometimes, I feel like we forget what we are truly blessed with. We forget that we have an abundance of options and choices to form our life with. We get so caught up in life that we forget that we have the freedom to live life to the fullest. To be the best we can be.

We all want to succeed in life. We want to conquer the world and do what we are called to do. Well, good news... we all have the opportunity and the freedom to do just that. We all can chase after what we want and be who we want because of our total freedom here in the USA. There are no excuses to why you couldn't live the life you have always wanted. Only you and your beliefs limit you in the process. It's your choice to get rid of those limits.

But, here's a reminder. With great freedom comes great responsibility (Eleanor Rosevelt). The responsibility to do what is right. To do what is good. To be a light of hope, love, and generosity. Yes, we can do whatever we want and be who we want, but the role of freedom it to enable right doing.

To take part in freedom without doing what is right is selfish and irresponsible. Our job and our obligation as American Citizens is to create opportunities for ourselves, our families, and for others around us. And with those opportunities, we are to show great morale and modesty. We are to be an example of what is right and what is just.

This Independence Day, reflect on the freedoms that God has given you. Reflect on ways you can use your freedom to help yourself, but most importantly, to help others. Freedom is yours... take it.

- Michael Tucker