Price of Freedom

February 22, 2026
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
I often think of how easy our life is in America, the home of the free and the brave.  We always expect the house to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, conveniences abound all around.  Many people don’t even have to cook anymore.  A quick run to the restaurant of your choice and your meal is instantly in front of you.  For a few extra dollars they will even deliver your meal to your doorstep.  Freedom brings all these things.
 
Although freedom brings us an easy life, with it sometimes comes lethargy, gluttony, and laziness.  I think that is the unseen price which we pay.  It’s a hazard of freedom with no cost.  The fact of the matter is that freedom comes at the price of bravery.  Being brave and tough is not putting a ring in your nose, a tattoo on your arm, or limiting the command of the English language to one syllable words.  Bravery is much more.   
 
All too many of those who were brave and tough in the past, and provided for us today an easy life, have gone to the grave.  They are the ones who stormed Normandy beach, endured the cold in Korea, sweated in the jungles of Vietnam, and endured the deserts of Iraq.  These men and women were and are the brave heart of America.  Does America today have any brave hearted men and women from which to draw to fight the wars that might lie ahead?
 
If we want to look for an example as to who might be a tough, brave, and a real man, we need to look no further than Jesus.  The only piercings He ever had were in His hands and feet, and of course, the one in His side.  The only tattoo that He wore, is your name engraved on the palm of His hand. (Isaiah 49:16)  He could have run away from the battle of the cross.  He chose to stay and gain the victory for those who would believe in Him.  Are you brave enough to believe?
 
Bravely standing tall in the shadow of the Lord,
Pastor Allan
 
©2026 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved