Whose Freedom? And Just What is This Guy Sharing?

Okay, this is the first post in this entire blog. If you’ve landed here, you’re at the beginning! So, let us begin. I’ll use this moment to break down the name, PaulSharesHisFreedom, one part at a time. That should explain the purpose of this blog.

Paul – I’m Paul Simpson, an American in Texas, with a common English name (just google my name and you’ll see scores of British citizens, including a famous soccer, er, I mean “football” player in the UK). My geneology is mostly folks from the British Isles, although at least 4 generations back were born in America, as far as I know. I’ve also got a little of this and that nationality mixed in, including a Cherokee from Oklahoma (post Trail of Tears march, so she was obviously hardy). I’m an American mutt, like the majority of Americans are.

That’s who I am by birth. But because of my re-birth way back at age 22, I’m also a follower of Jesus Christ. At this point in time (December 2009), I’ve been walking (sometimes stumbling) this Christian walk for almost 28 years. I’m very thankful to have found my place as a member of God’s family. Some believe that ALL people are God’s children. Well, yes, He did create all things. But the Bible clearly says we need to be adopted into his family, through belief in Jesus, His son, if we are to truly call God by the name of “Father”. Pretty simple to follow, really, even for those who don’t agree. Stop fighting it, and join His family. It’s what He really wants for you, so why not do it? (send me an email if you are on the fence about this and are open to coming on over – I’ll be glad to help).

Shares - In this case, “Shares” is used as a verb, both to inform and to give something to others.

His Freedom – Whose freedom? Both mine and God’s, actually.  Although I’ve been a Christian for a long time, that didn’t mean I was truly “free” for that whole time. Some people have dramatic conversion experiences, having been at the end of their rope, or at the bottom of their own pit. They know how bad life can become when we choose to wallow in our own hog trough of various kinds of sins (for a list, see Galatians 5:19-21).

But many, like myself, thought they were already “good” people, who could find freedom by merely assenting to Jesus being their savior. That, my friends, is only the beginning of freedom. After enough exposure to the Bible and solid Christian teachers, I had to admit that some areas of my life were not yet truly freed from old ways of thinking and doing. Was that God’s fault? No. He definitely saved me into His family. I was able to call on Him for help to resist new temptations (if I so chose). But what about the old temptations, the secret things I didn’t want to let go of? The things I couldn’t imagine not being a part of my life, things I “needed” for my comfort? What about the ways I treated people I knew, the drivers on the road I didn’t know? Old habits are hard to break.

I’m so thankful that I discovered a group of Christians who are working through a program called “Celebrate Recovery”. It’s a 12-step, Christ-centered, weekly get-together where men and women meet in a large group for worship and teaching (like a church service, except that people feel free to take off their Sunday morning “masks” and let their guards down), then separate into men’s and women’s small groups to get even more real with each other about healing and recovery from their own “hurts, habits and hangups”.  I have experienced firsthand that people can become more free than they ever thought possible. I have no idea how much more free I will become as I continue life’s journey in Christ, and as I continue to get more real with God and with myself. If you are interested in exploring this, perhaps there is already a Celebrate Recovery group near you.

Final thought: So, I plan to use this blog to share with you, dear reader, God’s freedom that He offers to all of us. And, whenever I think of some useful examples or observations in how God has helped me become more free in some way, I’ll share that, too.

My prayer, from right here on this web page, is that God will intervene in some small way in your life today (or tomorrow, if you’re reading this late at night) and show you something He’s always wanted you to know about Him or about yourself. Be open to Him, because His quiet little surprises can have big effects in your life!

Paul

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