🎆 Set Free: Flourishing for All

As Fanie Lou Hamer said, “Nobody’s free until everybody's free.”

As we find ourselves between Juneteenth and the 4th of July, freedom is a buzzy word.

What does it mean to be free? We could answer that question in a million ways.

In the U.S., freedom is a word with a lot of historical baggage. I was recently in Washington, D.C., and as we journeyed through the different monuments, I found my heart pulled taut, grappling with how to hold the tension of thoughts and emotions I felt as I absorbed history (and reflected on our current context) that holds good and evil, war and peace, justice and injustice, oppressor and oppressed.

As faithful civil rights leader Fanie Lou Hamer said, “Nobody’s free until everybody's free.”

Spiritually, Christ offers us freedom that transcends empires of this world and narrow political definitions. Freedom in Christ invites us to co-labor to create flourishing lives of humility, mercy, and justice for all.

I hope that this edition of our weekly Year of Breath reflections leads you to inward reflection and outward action.

Life Abundant

I write about spiritual and literal freedom, July 4th, and Juneteenth in the “Life Abundant” chapter in the Summer section of Every Season Sacred, my newest book. This yearlong devotional-ish read has elements for parents and resources for families. (This is a great section to think about between now and July 4. You’ll also find open-ended discussion questions for you and your family and two prayers to share.)

As we breathe in the fresh air of summer, let's also inhale the truth of our freedom and exhale the goodness we are called to live out in this world.

Guest Liturgy

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were told they were freed — two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

This week’s guest liturgy is by

DORENA WILLIAMSON

, a bestselling author who is passionate about showing children—and adults—that differences can be curiously explored and joyfully celebrated. She is a mom to four grown kids.

In our home, we love MANY of Dorena’s children’s books, including The Story of Juneteenth, a short picture book about Juneteenth’s origins and traditions. This little board book distills a pivotal moment in U.S. history and creates an opportunity for further conversation between parent and child. (This book is great to read any time of year!)

I’m grateful she has shared her prayer with us.

Giver of Life, 

You created humankind to flourish, 

Offering freedom in the first command. 

But we believed the lie of superiority, 

And our lust for power 

Led us away from your abundant life. 

Forgive us, O God.

We agonize over the grief 

Of Africans ripped from home and lost at sea, 

Families separated and forced

Into race-based enslavement. 

Precious Lord,

You heard their groans

And felt their crushing pain

Because You incarnated

As a suffering servant. 

As the enslaved watched and prayed, 

On midnight December 31st 

Emancipation unfolded.

Glory Hallelujah! 

Yet…how long, O Lord? 

We lament freedom’s news being denied 

Nine hundred twenty-seven more days 

To Texans enslaved. 

You saw the waiting, 

And on that nineteenth day of June, 

Jubilee marched on the Galveston streets. 

We praise You, wonder-working God 

You are our Jubilee! 

As June nineteenth comes, 

We taste freedom in red punch, 

And we inhale its tangy barbecue smell 

As Juneteenth festively parades in our streets.

Mighty God, only You 

Can bring songs of freedom

In a strange land.

Help us –

The oppressed and the oppressor –

To humbly seek your face.

Strengthen us to cultivate flourishing

Until that glorious day 

When all striving shall cease

And You make all things new.

Amen.

Keep Reading For…

This week, we have a special playlist about spiritual freedom and justice for all. It spans genres, and I’ve been listening to it as I write. There are songs of empowerment and songs of lament. I'm interested to hear what resonates with you!

Like every week of this private/paid Year of Breath community, you’ll also get breath prayers, guided reflection prompts, phone wallpaper/lockscreen, and a benediction.

Thank you for supporting my work as you journey toward wholeness in Christ.