[Oliver]

Melody Hogan - No more!




Author`s thoughts: I've heard that long after prisoners have actually been set free, there can still remain the phantom feeling of shackles around their wrists and ankles. The mind and senses are struggling to accept the change, and therefore continue to reproduce the sensation of bondage even though the chains are not there.

The same is true with the issues of the heart. Sin can take a devastating toll on our lives, oftentimes convincing us that we'll never be free from the power of its grasp. Even the restraints that held us captive take on a seductive familiarity. We may not know what true freedom feels like, but at least we know the comfort of our own slavery. Twisted perspective, but true.

For some freedom can be an uncomfortable, scary place that holds no solid answers, but lots and lots of questions.

"Will it last? Am I finally free? What if I can't resist it? Who am I without it? What does real freedom even look like? Is there something wrong with me?"

It's intimidating at best...and sometimes it feels safer to turn tail and run back to the thing that accepts us, rather than brave the harsh realities of the life that's so publicly rejected us.

...and then sometimes...it's just best to hide ourselves behind the armor of our Defender and shout over His shoulder, "YOU DON'T HAVE ME ANY MORE!"

He will fight for you.