A Free Spirit
I have to be honest, I had never heard of Charlie Kirk prior to his assassination. I was trying to remember if I could recollect who he was and I vaguely remember a young man who was part of President Donald Trump's original campaign. However, I got curious to learn who this young man was. As I viewed several of his videos, he could be deemed as controversial by many-- there are some topics he brought to light that I have my own different opinions about. One thing that can be said about him though is that he was very influential to the youth of our nation. I also learned that he was a conservative Christian man. He was a married man and had two young children. My shock was that he was assassinated at the young age of 31 years old. Younger than my own daughter and a little older than my youngest twin boys. It shook me up to see and read about how this young man's life ended. I believe the majority of us agree that he in no way shape or form deserved to die because of his beliefs or whatever reason the assassin will indicate in a manifesto or whatever. His death was heartbreaking to me for so many reasons. As it has been to many others nationwide.
One thing I observed while he was on his tours to college campuses, he required that the students who brought their questions forth to him to answer, he would ask them to provide him precise definitions as to the issues they would be addressing. In watching some of the responses from the students who were opposing his views, they couldn't define or provide facts to their topics that were being discussed. I even saw a couple lash out at him or angrily pull his hat off. The whole time he would contain his composure and still maintain a calm speaking voice. My own children will ask me for facts on topics that I'm talking to them about -- even, being frustrated and asking me, "Mom, what are you talking about and where are your facts?" Then I have to backup my statements with facts. I've never required my children or anyone else for that matter to agree with my opinions. I call it open communication. Sometimes, the topics can become debatable.
Charlie Kirk's testimony (because he does have a story we can follow), is what triggered my blog for today. Growing up and even to this day, I've always been a deep thinker. So much so, quite often it has kept me up at night. It could be about anything -- my brain just doesn't shut off once it has a topic I want to research further. During my search and learning about the different religious beliefs that are available, my brain couldn't wrap around all the doctrinal requirements of each religion. Why do theologians become so wrapped up in the practices of religion rather than the gospel that Jesus brought us during his ministry while God was in the visible form here on earth and an actual relationship with Him? I thought that as a young girl.
Being raised in a Catholic turned protestant household, my parents views on religion were frustrating for me. They were all caught up on the appearance of what a Christian should look and how they should act like physically. What happened to the fruits of the spirit characteristics of someone who loves and accepts Christ as their savior? Performance and good works won't get you into heaven. As a young woman, I was forbidden to think of anything else or do anything outside of worshipping God on the Sabbath. I remember my Mother working me like a dog to get the house cleaned before the sun went down on Friday evening and then as soon as the sun set on Saturday, everyone would all jump to watch TV or do something outside of the Sabbath. Don't even get me started about fasting and watching the contortions on their faces as they went a whole day without eating and denying us food. I've learned as an adult how to fast and the reason without anyone knowing. I wasn't allowed to listen to certain music, even though it was not sexual or controversial in any way, shape or form. I was forbidden to wear makeup or jewelry, because they would show me scripture that forbade me adorning my body. We even became vegetarians for quite a number of years. When we weren't vegetarians, we could only eat certain meats considered clean and dirty. As an adult Christian who has read through the Bible, I think my parents never went to the New Testament during that time. Needless to say, I could never conform to their stringent religious requirements. Especially, when they appeared to conform to said doctrines, but in our house it held many secrets contrary to those belief systems and I was very much aware of the hypocrisy of our household. So what is the point of this paragraph? I've always thought outside the box for myself.
I remember there was a time where I read about "New Age" -- yes, not a religion I would put my soul in, but I remember thinking about some of the topics presented in this book and developed my own thought processes outside their religion. Such as, the earth being a living resource. There is a lot of truth in this. Don't we get water, food, oil, minerals, etc.? I happen to be a collector of rocks. Ever since I was a small girl, with limited souvenir funds, I used to pick up a rock from each place my family visited while on vacation or a special event that I wanted to remember. I still have several bowls of said rocks around my house. Well, after reading about some of the properties that some of these stones may or may not have, I started collecting precious ones as well. I don't believe in them in the occult level at all, but I do like when artists carve them into beautiful shapes. I own a crystal ball -- not to tell the future, but because of its enormous sphere perfection. Here's what I think about when I see these stone items, I think about how these precious stones and crystal will be part of the structure of the heavenly realm. What can I say? I love sparkly things. Always have and always will.
Remember, I've always felt I was the scape goat in my family. I was often told I beat to my own drum. Sometimes I can appreciate that reference as I certainly don't want to conform or morph into something where I'm not happy with myself. I know who made me and who knew me before I was formed. God planned me to be here right at this moment on this huge rotating rock he created. I also recognize that my life does have purpose.
I recently evaluated my political stand on things and finally realized, I have swayed in both ways. Not so much currently. However, I told my significant other that I'm going to be changing my political affiliation to reflect more of what my core values are when it comes to politics. I just need to get through this next November election on local issues. I will admit I'm more liberal than conservative. No, really?
I shared in a previous blog that my church affiliation that mostly feeds my soul is the Calvary Chapel Church. I've been intrigued by its teachings since the early 1970's. I've always told people that I don't practice religion. I practice and have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Also, I may or may not agree 100% with everything that is taught. However, I think Pastor Greg Laurie and his family have been so consistent in what they believe and are amazing examples of what a Christian life should reflect. Watching their family grow over the years has been wonderful. I love all the testimonies they have shared and how God shaped their lives to where they are now. I've always admired Pastor Greg's consistent leadership. The fruits that have been produced out of this church is enormous. I've seen what God did from the beginning up until today with this church as well as other Calvary Chapel churches. I thank God that He gives us free will and choice. God was able to open the eyes of my heart through a lot of prayer in this choice.
Define Free Spirit -- an independent or uninhibited person. My thinking can be independently different, but at times it is also restrained. However, I am very independent when it comes to this world, but I am very dependent on God and Jesus Christ. I remember I used to refer to myself as a free spirit and still do. I don't know why people sometimes see it as a negative description of a person. One thing I do know for sure is one day my spirit will return to God and it will be as free as it possibly can be.
AI Generated:
Psalm 51:12 asks God to "uphold me with Your free spirit," referring to a spirit that is not under the constraints of sin but is characterized by love, joy, peace, and self-control. Galatians 5 also speaks of the freedom found in the Spirit, warning against using that freedom to indulge in the fleshly desires and instead using it to serve others in love.
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