When you’re feeling confined…
Cainspirations by Kristi Cain, originally published June 30, 2022
DISCOVERING DESTINY.
Overcoming Darkness.
How are you overcoming the struggle to find true freedom in your life? Let’s journey together!
| This is a time of many celebrations in our freedom-loving nation. On July 4, Americans will celebrate our oft-defended right to independence. On June 19, we commemorated an end to a tragic system of tyranny and persecution on our soil. On June 24, some controversy arose over the decision to give states the freedom to determine the future of the unborn. Whatever your political beliefs, we can all agree that freedom is a word with many positive connotations in our culture. Yet freedom itself — the ability to make independent choices — does not always yield positive results. In fact, the first significant act of freedom recorded in the Bible, a simple choice of a single bite of fruit, led to the fall of humanity and the dual curses of sin and death in the world. But freedom is a condition we were all born for. It was a gift our Creator always intended to bestow upon us despite our often unwise stewardship of it. Over the years, many lay people and scholars alike have questioned this choice. If it leads to so many negative consequences, why give humanity freedom to begin with? Why were we not allowed to live out our days in blissful ignorance in the Garden of Eden, the first paradise he created us for? But freedom is a gift God fully intended for us to have. The freedom to choose our own path, forge our own futures. Even when it means making mistakes — even when it means that we are going to hurt each other and disappoint him. The most ironic outcome of all is when poor uses of freedom lead to confinement. The confinement of missed opportunities and fractured relationships due to our personal failings. The confinement of closed doors and persisting scars due to the failings of others. And, ultimately, the confinement of the grave we are all destined for due to the one foolish choice that led to so many others. But through the free choice of God and the indescribably brave choice of his son, we are also destined for release from these hurtful consequences. A freedom unlike any other we have ever tasted. A joy that the image of birds leaving their cages is but a rough silhouette of. And this long-term freedom is built on many other gifts of the freedom God treasures. His freedom to give his goodness and blessings to even the most unworthy of us. Our freedom to learn and grow through our choices and decisions no matter how many times we stumble and fall along the way. The intimacy that comes from growing and learning alongside other flawed humans and our perfect God as we struggle to find a better way to live together. And best of all, the freedom to choose, despite all the darkness surrounding this fallen world, our guiding light that will lead us to eternal freedom in paradise with him. |
| Want to know your divine calling? Find out with my “Discover Your Destiny” Quiz! |
YOUR TURN!
Don’t make me do all the talking – I’d love to hear from you!
- What does freedom in Christ mean to you?
- Any special stories to share about freedom related to current events or your life you’d like to inspire others with?
- Do you want to hear about anything else? Any prayer requests?
Just shoot me an email – don’t be shy! And I promise to reply!
BEAUTY IN TODAY
Check out these awesome photos from readers like you!
PHOTO CREDITS (top to bottom, left to right): “Rocky Mountain Lake View” by Alaine Nicole; “Schnebly Hill Summit of Arizona” by Amelia Reedy; “Grand Prismatic Spring of Yellowstone” by Tinni Roach; “Tower of London” by Jill McDonald; and “Sunset Beach Prints” by Derrick Vestal.
Want to share your “Beauty in Today” picture or inspirational musings? Shoot me an email and you just might be featured in my next issue!
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Thanks for visiting with us today! I hope I’ve helped you feel encouraged! – Kristi
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Work looks a lot like play for Kristi Cain and includes freelance writing for Crosswalk, inspirational blogging, writing fantastical stories of Christian fiction, teaching English to teens, and being able to say, “I’m a former journalist.” Home is nestled in the Smoky Mountain foothills with her husband and teenage children. If you ever want a little encouragement in your day, check out her newsletter. Hop over to her website for her latest happenings and join her Facebook group, a fun, faith-based community.
Cain’s life experiences and faith journey have lent her the lens through which she shapes stories of unlocking the light of destiny out of darkness. Through her writing, she hopes to encourage people to understand that the difficult places in life can be the very ingredients that shape the greatest destinies.
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Cainspirations by author Kristi Cain 