The White White House: Freedom

"Though our gifts are a beautiful part of who we are, they do not make up our identity. We are sons and daughters first, loved before we ever set our hands to anything, believed in before we even attempt prove ourselves worthy. When we come to that place of confidence and security, knowing that the Father loves us and is proud of us regardless of our abilities or success, we can create and explore without the pressure to strive or produce. We are set free as artists when we step into our identity as beloved children." ~Allie Samson

The above quote was in an email I received yesterday. I felt inclined to share because it sums up the message I want my boys to hear, believe and live. Oftentimes, I still struggle to wrap my mind around it. If we could rest in our identity, we wouldn't be afraid to try, afraid to fail, afraid to trust God with everything. Rick Warren said the following in one of his DailyHope postings:

"You start believing what God says about you, that he is pleased with how he created you, and that God defines you. You’re not defined by your feelings. You’re not defined by the opinions of others or by your circumstances. You’re not defined by your successes or failures. You’re not defined by the car you drive, the money you make, or the house you say you own when the bank really does.You are defined by God and God alone. He identifies you as his own (2 Corinthians 1:22). The thing is, if you don’t know who you are, then you’re vulnerable to other people telling you who you are. But the concrete, solid, gospel truth is that you are who God says you are, and no one else has a vote in the matter. This “identity issue” is an important part of living the abundant life. Jesus was able to face the incredible demands of his mission because he knew exactly who he was. He knew that he mattered to God, and that gave him confidence to move purposefully in faith."

Freedom is knowing and understanding who we are in Christ, first and foremost. I love that it's not about striving, despite the fact that we all get caught up in the demands of this world. I can rest in knowing that none of that striving makes me more valuable or less valuable.

Freedom is also summer. Okay, I know that's not Biblical commentary here but it's truth! Summer doesn't require much from me. It demands less and allows for us to slow down and enjoy the little things that we often miss during the other seasons of the year. The last two weeks have been unplanned, unscripted and pure joy! Jackson spent a few days at Lake Gaston with Garrett, which was another last minute plan (so last minute, that I had to run out an buy him two new swimsuits, just an hour before he needed to leave). Jackson had so much fun that he didn't want to come home. Meanwhile, Webb, Sawyer and I missed Jackson but we spent several days doing a little bit of yard work/housework and a lot of relaxing and playing. And speaking of playing, yesterday, the boys and I spent a few hours at Harris Lake with the Brewers. Sawyer keeps telling me how much fun he had in the water and on the boat. We all hope that they'll invite us to join them again and again:-)