This weekend, the weekend that Americans celebrate independence, liberty, and freedom, is a great time to reflect on the liberties we have and identify those who are still living in captivity of some sort.

What can be done about those who are still held captive? Those who cannot celebrate their independence? Those who are literally imprisoned and incarcerated, or those who are held captive by systemic injustices, or those who are held captive by their unhealed trauma?

I am often reminded of the beginning of Isaiah 61 and resonate so deeply with the anointing and calling Isaiah outlines. I’d like to think I’ve received a similar anointing by God, and am on a mission to do these same things.

Here’s what Isaiah opens up with in chapter 61:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor
to bind up the brokenhearted
to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God
to comfort all who mourn

To grant to those who mourn in Zion

a beautiful headdress instead of ashes
the oil of gladness instead of mourning
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit

That they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”
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This is my mission. To share the good news of the gospel, to lead broken hearts to healing, to proclaim liberty, to offer comfort. I want to see beauty replace ashes, joy replace mourning, praise replace weariness. I want to join in the Lord’s work of planting and raising up a righteous generation who will glorify Him.

That’s what I’m remembering on this Independence Day weekend. Along with my personal America freedom, I’m celebrating the liberating work the Lord has done in me. And I am preparing for the great work still to be done.