If I were to ask you to define “Freedom” what would you say? Oh, I know this is a very broad question with many potential answers, but for the sake of our discussion and thought process, let’s narrow it down to what freedom looks like to you personally in your every day heartbeat. As a stay at home Mamma of four mighty, yet small, warriors I can sometimes say that freedom in a heartbeat could mean no stress: everyone gets along and loves each other in their words and actions; no fear or worry; all bills are paid on time and we have a little left over; there are no more toxic habits that pop up at will and I am on the road to perfection; and sometimes . . . peaceful clarity, even if only for a breath! This is all good, and yes, in my daily heartbeats I need to have all (and sometimes more) of these. Now I challenge you go deeper still to the very core of your heart. What is it that defines freedom to you?

Growing up I had the privilege of having girlfriends who either owned horses or were connected to them so that we could ride. One of my favorite things to do was to go riding because it was not often.  Yet, when I did get to ride it seemed to fall during the times I was in special need of relief from the toxic world in which I lived with my family of origin. I loved getting on the horse.  After re-acclimating myself to the saddle, and once the horse and I were comfortable with each other I would allow it to run at a full gallop.  I would raise my hands in the air (still holding on to the reigns mind you) and let the wind take my breath away and let myself feel like I was flying. Oh how I miss those times!

In my daily time with my Heavenly Father the other day I saw very clearly a vision of what I am challenging you to find for yourself. Imagine a beach . . .  can you see the sand, hear the waves, smell the salty air, and feel the cool breeze with a hint of something fresh that sends shivers up your spine? Now picture with me the most beautiful horse . . .  her coat is a smooth caramel, her mane is so silky soft that the sun glistens with each strand as it blows in the wind, her muscles are defined and robust as she gallops at full speed with the most amazing picture of beauty that takes your breath away.  You notice that her master is ever so gently holding her reigns and sitting perfectly atop her saddle as if completely unaware that there is this enormous animal running freely.  As you quickly conclude, this magnificent horse is one with its master and though running completely free it is still safe within the trained and loving hands of her master.

I very clearly understand the picture the Lord was giving me . . .  I am the horse and He is the Master.  Jesus has created me to be this magnificent vision of His beauty in such a unique display of whom He is through my ability to unveil His passion and love only revealed through my life story! I am not to be distracted by the wind, the waves,  other people, or the sun. I am to embrace the passion within me and run freely within the healthy boundaries God, my Master, has placed strategically around me. The reigns represent grace and love and the bit represents the truth. Within the boundaries of God’s grace, love, and truth we can be completely abandoned to UNTAMED PASSION. As we fall more in love with our Savior we learn to trust that He is seeing what we cannot, understanding what we do not, supplying what we are not, and cultivating what we should not. When I give complete control over to my Heavenly Father He is then able to loosen the reigns and allow me to run at a full gallop for His glory so that all who see will draw to Him!

Perfection, well, that will not be happening until I finally get home with my Jesus, but what is ALWAYS available is His PERFECT LOVE FOR ME!!! If I choose to receive it, my love automatically becomes more perfect without me even trying! When I lead worship each week I am immersed into the fullness of who God is for me and who I am in Him. This is where my peaceful clarity comes.  I can have it all the time…if I so choose! I am strengthened with refreshing rain and my muscles and heart become stronger as I continue to submit to His plan and purpose. My husband and children benefit from this healthier me, but most importantly, my Jesus is overjoyed by my UNTAMED PASSION!

So I ask you again, what does “FREEDOM” look like to you? Are you willing to take the challenge and ask your Heavenly Father to show you your very own picture? He is there, He is willing, and He is waiting with excited expectancy for you to just ask Him! He loves you, precious one, and wants to shower you with His vision of who you are in Him!

Shelly is from Frisco, TX and attends Elevate Life Church, Pastors Keith and Sheila Craft.

Shelly is honored to be the wife of her mighty Warrior, Jason for nine years,  mother of four precious little warriors, and one of the worship leaders her family of choice at Elevate Life Church in Frisco, Texas. She spends her time being lead into a deeper love relationship with Jesus through Bible study, leadership development books, and writing worship music. She enjoys family fun nights, cultivating their love language within their home, and drawing deeply from the healthy friendships God has given her with her “Besties”. The greatest key that she wears on her “tool belt” is willingness: being open to live life to the fullest … God’s way … loving living this life she’s been given!

Shelly Clonts