free.

so many wonderful truths are being imparted to me through people here...i'd like to share one that has touched my heart recently:

freedom comes from following jesus.

this might seem like a simple truth, but i don't think i've ever let it penetrate my heart the way it has in the last few days.

--God's father-love gives us our worth, and frees us from past wounds and self-hatred.

--though we may not see it yet, God has a plan for our lives, and if we are open to hearing his voice, he will guide us...freeing us from anxiety and reliance on ourselves.

--in the same vein, God has promised to provide for us. trusting in his love for us as his children, we are freed from the burden of stuff. 

lose your life, so you can find it.

i was discussing this concept with our school leader, will, last night...and then this morning, a new song came on my ipod that made me stop and listen.

the lyrics speak so much truth, and really convey the convictions of my heart.

check it out:

Zion & Babylon

by Josh Garrels

Oh great mammon of form and function
Careless consumerist consumption
Dangerous dysfunction
Described as expensive taste
I’m a people disgraced
By what I claim I need
And what I want to waste
I take no account for nothing
If it’s not mine
It’s a misappropriation of funds
Protect my ninety percent with my guns
Whose side am I on?
Well who’s winning?
My kingdom’s built with the blood of slaves
Orphans, widows, and homeless graves
I sold their souls just to build my private mansion
Some people say that my time is coming
Kingdom come is the justice running
Down, down, down on me
I’m a poor child, I’m a lost son
I refuse to give my love to anyone,
Fight for the truth,
Or help the weaker ones
Because I love my Babylon
I am a slave, I was never free
I betrayed you for blood money
Oh I bought the world, all is vanity
Oh my Lord I’m your enemy
Come to me, and find your life
Children sing, Zion’s in sight
I said don’t trade your name for a serial number
Priceless lives were born from under graves
Where I found you
Say, my name ain’t yours and yours is not mine
Mine is the Lord, and yours is my child
That’s how it’s always been
Time to make a change
Leave your home
Give to the poor all that you own
Lose your life, so that you could find it
First will be last when the true world comes
Livin’ like a humble fool to overcome
The upside-down wisdom
Of a dying world
Zion’s not built with hands
And in this place God will dwell with man
Sick be healed and cripples stand
Sing Allelu
My kingdom’s built with the blood of my son
Selfless sacrifice for everyone
Faith, hope, love, and harmony
I said let this world know me by your love
By your love
Oh my child, daughters and sons
I made you in love to overcome
Free as a bird, my flowers in the sun
On your way to Mount Zion
All you slaves, be set free
Come on out child and come on home to me
We will dance, we will rejoice
If you can hear me then follow my voice