A Different Spin On Independence

Ten days ago, on the day that Americans traditionally celebrate independence from Britain, we decided to do things a little different here in Kenya. Instead of American Independence Day, we celebrated "World Freedom Day," complete with tasty Kenyan "nyama choma" (fried goat) and ugali, Indian curry, and American deviled eggs, potato salad and burgers. Many people from church came, as well as 25 children from a nearby Children's Home, neighbors, co-workers, and other friends. In other words, we had a PAR-TAY!

The day was both amazingly busy and unexpectedly delightful. Some of my favorite parts of the day. . . 2 women from church coming to spend the night just so that they could help us in preparing for everything. All the men helping Michael grill hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken and goat by the truck load (okay, maybe not a truck load, but almost). Kids running around everywhere, playing various forms of soccer, rugby and wiffle ball. Youth from the church lounging on blankets in the grass and eating popcorn (lots of popcorn). 15 women all packed in the kitchen, all rapidly chopping, cooking, spreading, filling - whatever needed to be done in order to serve the 80 or so people who showed up over the course of eight hours - and along with all the preparation, lots of chatting and laughing. Seeing different people from different places, cultures, ethnic groups, economic backgrounds, and communities being together, eating together, and playing together.

When we gathered together to pray before eating, Michael explained why we decided to celebrate the 4th of July like this. First, he explained that we knew this 4th of July would be different for us simply because we are here in Kenya and not in the States. But more than that, he shared that we really wanted to celebrate our true freedom, as believers in Jesus Christ, instead of merely celebrating America's independence from Great Britain. Instead of celebrating the country of America and being exclusive by definition (as many people know, a person cannot simply be an American by wanting to be an American), we wanted to be inclusive by definition, because as Jesus followers (from anywhere in the world) we get to celebrate our freedom together every day, and also as believers we get to invite others into the joy of knowing Jesus and finding their true freedom as well.

I know this might sound hokey, or like I'm trying to over-spiritualize something that we shouldn't be so worried about. But I don't think I am. If living here in Kenya has taught me anything, it has taught me that I should never take for granted the freedom I have in Jesus, and the constancy of His love and His peace. As an American, it's true that I have noteable "freedoms," freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to buy assault rifles, etc. But all of these freedoms are temporary, incomplete, and unfulfilling. American freedoms don't get at or solve the problems that I have. . . the problems that I have with God, with myself, and with other people. American freedoms don't make me a better person, and they don't make other people better people. American freedoms can't promise lasting peace, security, or love. American freedoms are not what make me free. And they do not and will never make anyone free. When we look at all the different horrible sins nations, including ours, have committed in the name of preserving "freedom," it seems like at least sometimes, national freedom really means slavery, whether for ourselves, or for those people that get rolled over in the process.

But Jesus changes everything. Jesus does promise, has brought, and will fully bring eternal, complete, and fulfilling freedom. Freedom in Jesus chases away sin "far as the curse is found," and brings me back to a right relationship with God, with myself, and with other people. He is the only way that any of my relationships will ever be good and right and just. Freedom in Jesus doesn't just make me a better person; He makes me a new person, and has actually given me Himself by dying on the cross and defeating death by His resurrection. Freedom in Jesus promises peace, security, and eternal love. God has so loved the world by giving His Son, Jesus. He is our Peace. He is our Freedom. Happy World Freedom Day.

Rebecca