Freedom

Today is the Fourth, my first alone.  I had two options, feel sorry for myself or thank God that I'm alive.  Fortunately, I resisted the former and spent the day being fairly productive.  This evening, I reminisced on older days, days with family and days remembering tragedy.

In America, we are blessed, though we rarely acknowledge it.  Yes, I suffered abuse at the hands of protectors.  However, I also had wonderful opportunities to go to school, meet new people and potentially better myself.  Even now, I am living over 1200 miles from my family, pursuing a Master's, and experiencing a new culture. 

In many countries, this would not be a possibility, especially for a young female.  At 24, I would already be married with several little ones or considered an old maid in many countries.  How awesome is it that I can say that I am a valuable person with opportunities to grow and choose my future.

I am also allowed to choose what religion to believe in and able to worship my God freely.  Some are not even afforded the privilege of openly or privately worshipping a God.  While we still must fight for the privilege to believe what we wish, the constitution affords us this privilege and even calls it a right.

So, today, and everyday, I will choose to thank God for the ability and opportunity to better myself and worship him.  I pray that you will thank God for these freedoms.  And for those of you who do not live in America and do not have many of these privileges, I pray that God will bless your life and help you to be all you can.