"Join the Movement": Follow the Freedom Trail

It’s time to break free and start living! It’s time to walk on a new path of freedom with God to regain hope and a new found trust in him.      

Being a hostage is suffocating spiritually, physically & emotionally. I’ve been a hostage, held against my will and bound to the actions and words of others. I was confined & defined; pushed down, hurt, and held back from achievements and growth because of captivity. I developed a defensive attitude and built walls to guard & protect myself from further harm and pain. Living under the control & manipulation of people produced insecurity, anxiety, fear and misunderstanding. I was living in what’s called, “survival mode”. I finally came to a breaking point, realizing it’s impossible to live in the freedom Christ died for me to have, while remaining a hostage. 

   Because of constant trauma and tragedy in my life since child-hood, I was unable to trust anyone. I was even fearful to give my life completely to God. I didn’t fully trust him to take care of me and love me like his word says. I believed he would harm me or send bad things my way to teach me a lesson; (because that’s what he does to his children to painfully grow them.) Until one day, God gently whispered to my heart; “it wasn’t me who hurt you; the people hurt you.” 

   God’s word says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) This helped relieve some of my fears and I began opening my heart more to God. I learned I CAN look forward to my future because it’s brand new and untarnished. God is already there clearing a path, making a way and taking care of me. Just because my past was painful, doesn’t mean my future holds the same.   

   There are two tools needed to escape a hostage situation; they are Forgiveness and Surrender. Forgiveness is tough. We hear about it a lot, we know the benefits; we know as Christians we are called to forgive. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) We know we are forgiven by God for all our sins. “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.” (Colossians 2:13)  But we also need to know how to forgive someone when we still have horrible feelings and thoughts about them; when we still hurt; when the injuries are new; when we just don’t know how. Here’s the key to forgiveness; CHOICE.

    Forgiveness is a choice and not a feeling. We choose to forgive. We make up our minds to obey God and forgive others as he’s forgiven us. We choose freedom instead of bondage, bitterness, negativity and allowing pain and people to control us. We pray and surrender the person to God, and leave them with the only real Judge who knows all motives, intentions and secrets of the heart. Envision walking up to the cross of Christ, holding the hand of that person whom you need to forgive. Now let go of their hand and leave them at the feet of Jesus. You have just released and surrendered them. Do this as often as needed praying for them and yourself. You are now closer to living in complete freedom! “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

    Don’t put expectations on yourself that are unrealistic. It’s normal to think, feel and have memories of your pain. Healing is in God’s hands and it’s a daily process to work through. Give yourself some grace; the same grace that Christ gives you. And when you don’t understand why you still feel angry if you’ve forgiven; know that it’s a normal part of forgiveness and healing. Don’t let the enemy condemn you. Keep your focus on Jesus and keep going back to the cross; resting in God’s goodness, grace, love, peace and power.

   The second tool needed to escape a hostage situation is; Surrender. This isn’t surrendering to our captor; but instead surrendering ourselves to God. “Anything we don’t wholly surrender to God; isn’t fully committed to Him.”

    Total surrender doesn’t come easy or without cost; but we will gain more than we can ever think or imagine. It allows God to work in and through us accomplishing his plans which are perfect. It requires trusting him in and through all things no matter what our circumstances look like and understanding he is God and sees the bigger picture. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8)

   When we understand God's love, we can live in peace and contentment; love is by far the most compelling motivator of everything we do. “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14)

   Surrendering to God requires putting our faith in him. "For we live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) And trusting he will work all things out for our good. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

You need to know:
No matter what’s going on in your life, God has a plan.
No matter what circumstances or situations you face, God is with you.
You can live; laugh and love in freedom knowing you have been saved by amazing grace.
You can walk in the hope of your calling that Christ died for you to have.
You can pray and know God hears and answers you.
You can be filled with God’s peace that surpasses all understanding.
You are a woman or man of faith and the power of God is within you.

Shake off the worries and cares of this world and hold onto God.
Forgive others & yourself; Surrender your lives wholly to Jesus and walk in your
New found Freedom!

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About me:
   I'm a Survivor of kidnapping & abuse. 
I've published my story, "Raised by Strangers" to reveal forbidden secrets about my journey and rescue. 
You will:
-Learn how to seek God for all your needs and grow in faith. 
-Discover forbidden secrets, how God turned my tragedy into triumph; and saved my life. 
-Discover your purpose and regain new hope & freedom!
-Get your copy now on Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles.com in paperback or digital format!

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