My dad always calls me on the Fourth of July to remind me to read the Declaration of Independence. The document is actually pretty awesome, and worth the read, if you’ve never read it. I’ve included the link to it below.

I’m always struck by how carefully the founding fathers laid out their justifications, including 26 specific grievances attributed to King George, for their declaration of freedom. And how simply they wind up the document with their claim to be “Free and Independent States.” Remembering, also, how they then dispersed and ran like hell to protect their lives, families and farms, many to no avail.

This is a great day in the United States (and the world, why not?) to decide what it is to be free. Yes, free in the sense of political freedom — and as an American I thank God for that — but also your personal definition of freedom: what you will put up with, what you’re finished with, how you intend to live your live from here on out; and to truly welcome and accept the fallout from your decision. It’s a bold thing, declaring freedom. It’s exhilarating, scary, and costly, and requires support from other brave people.

In declaring their independence, the early Americans describe how they had no other choice. The oppression they lived under was an abomination of the human condition. It would be impossible to stay in bondage to Britain because the situation was one where both man-made laws and natural laws were a joke.

What would freedom look like in your life? Freedom from debt, an abusive relationship, a go-nowhere job, addiction, a dwelling place that no longer feeds your soul, the wrong crowd of “friends,” too many material things… you can declare freedom from it today, and claim your new territory. Take a step toward that freedom, and God bless the new, brave, bold, YOU!