Click above to listen to a portion of Far Away from Home from my 9th album Treasures of Peace. Order the CD or MP3 Album or the Sheet Music. Listen on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora, or your favorite source.
What have you been afraid of in the past, where you now have freedom?
Two issues prompted this new post. First, with almost two months gone, my and your New Year excitement and enthusiasm about all that is possible in 2017 may have begun to fade. Some of this decline can be due to fear. Second, this Thursday, February 23, is “Shine a Light on Slavery Day” where the End It Movement is leading the fight for freedom for an estimated twenty million people in the world being held against their will.
Below are six examples of moving from fear to freedom in my life story. After you read these, I hope you will click the image below to watch the Far Away from Home music video, and look for all the moments of freedom in the story…
Click the image above to watch the “Far Away from Home” music video
From FEAR…
—Being abused by a male babysitter at age nine led to fear and insecurity with my identity.
—Missing the first word in the 8th grade spelling bee led to a fear of public speaking.
—My right leg shaking during piano recitals led to fear of playing the piano for an audience.
—Going from 20 points to only a few minutes per game in high school basketball led to fear as a team leader.
—Failing my first two college exams led to a fear that I may not be smart enough to pass.
—The leap of faith from a fifteen-year business career to full-time music ministry led to fear of failure.
To FREEDOM…
—Being vulnerable instead of hiding pain, brings freedom that God sees me and knows me.
—Focusing on what God thinks of me, instead of what others think, brings freedom in public speaking.
—Surrendering performance, playing for an audience of One, brings freedom in piano concerts.
—Remembering my 30-point game instead of 0-point games, brings freedom in being a leader.
—Recalling my joy in making two B’s after starting with two F’s, brings freedom in giving my best.
—God’s faithfulness since 2004 with Music to Light the World, brings freedom in living out my life calling and purpose.
We all have deep and meaningful fears and freedoms, struggles and victories, tears and joys. Thinking of people being enslaved, whether through human sex-trafficking, work without pay, or other forms of violence and abuse, prompts me to ask God to bring rescue to them physically, from fear to freedom. Recognizing others whose struggles are far greater than mine, prompts me to be much more grateful for the freedoms God has given me by His grace.
What is one fear you have, where God can help you move toward freedom?
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” — Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)
Hi I loved this piece and all the things you wrote about it. I needed this tonight. I know that God is faithful to answer prayers, but sometimes fear and worry can creep in. My grand daughter, Lindsey, has a collapsed lung for the second time in a month and is in the hospital. I know that God is bigger than any problem we have, but my heart is hurting for her. Thanks for reading this and understanding a grandmother’s pain. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Dear Sandy, First, I would like to thank you for your kind words and I am so glad you have benefitted from this piece. I also want to remind you that God is the Divine Healer and He is right there in that hospital room with Lindsey. I will be praying for you and your family during this trial that you may feel the absolute peace and rest of God. Blessings to you now and always.
-Stanton