About the Author

Holley Gerth is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, counselor, and life coach. Her newest release is The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be You. She's also wife to Mark, Mom to Lovelle, and Nana to Eula and Clem.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Holly,
    It is paradoxical that serving one’s self tangles, ensnares, and shackles; but serving others in love sets us free. Some of my best moments of joy have come from serving others. I imagine that Jesus was a very joyful and inviting person to be around. Thanks for a thought provoking post to celebrate the 4th!! May we all exercise our freedom, that was died for, to love and to serve.
    Blessings,
    Bev

  2. Thank you so much, Holley, for a beautiful post. I think of all Jesus gave up–all His freedoms, rights, and privileges as God, and humbled Himself to be nailed on a cross–to be made captive so that we could be set free.It’s staggering. And as we love in the way that He did, we will lay down our lives for each other. Both love and freedom mean sacrifice. I would add just one PS to your list of American freedoms (Constitutionally speaking :-))….Our first amendment says this: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Our freedom to worship in America hails from our freedom to be able to exercise our religion in the public square. It’s a subtle but important distinction. But in the end, being an American is not ultimately about freedom if we are not free in Christ and treat others in love and respect. God bless you, Holley. And Happy Independence Day as you depend upon Christ.
    Love
    Lynn

  3. I like what you said about how we become so entangled with our own thoughts and selfish desires that we cannot even see to drive our RV’s that we “oh so wanted”!! That is a great analogy. We only feel free when we give up that freedom (through our time and service) to love other people — that is the Christian lifestyle that makes us truly happy! Thank you for reminding me of this today on the 4th of July.

  4. Holly,
    What a great reminder! How easily we let others take our freedom by accepting their negativity and choosing to toil under their limitations for us. Your post reminded me that freedom is all about exercising my choice to surround myself with life-giving relationships and activities!

  5. Don’t mean to be a wet blanket on a great post but there are those of us who kind of take this to an extreme in valuing others above ourselves. I’m sure our sinful selves are always focused on us and what we want but sometimes things can get distorted and we get to thinking that anything we want is bad and that only looking to the interests of others is what God wants from us. I guess in this case freedom is realizing that God has us covered…devaluing ourselves doesn’t build our value to God. I know this isn’t what you are talking about with your post but got me to thinking…

  6. Holley Happy 4th,

    Thank-yuo for such a thoughtful post.

    I have a request (fromCanada) that involves freedom, love and selflessness. I would be so grateful if you could you please say a prayer for the fire crews that have so selflessly worked to free us and keep us safe from the fire that has been burning all night. I am so grateful to them and for the Grace of God that so far no homes or lives have been lost.

    Happy 4th to all,
    Penny

  7. I think your message Holley should be emblazoned on every billboard entering every town in every country, As one who grew up in neighbouring Canada we often shared celebrations of your July 4th with our July 1st Canada Day …. calling it the Freedom Festival. But your message of sharing love and comfort should be the call to arms. Open arms of love rather than the right to bear arms of a destructive nature which has so often caused your nation and other nations great sorrow.
    Happy 4th.

  8. “…remember the highest, best freedom. Love.” This is awesome, and so true. Thank you for sharing! 🙂

  9. “Freedom to love.” I never considered “love” as a freedom, but it’s true. God has created us in such a way that demonstrating love to others gives US more joy than the recipients (Acts 20:35). And that kind of joy does make us feel happier, lighter, and freer. Thank you, Holley, for bringing my attention to this “new” freedom!

  10. Holly,

    To often we in American take our freedoms for granted. We should remember that someone paid a high price–His life for our eternal freedom. I have always wanted to serve others. I get great pleasure in using my talents for others
    good.
    P.S. If I won the lottery I would help family, church, and give to charity. That is my soul’s joy in the world!!