Celebrating Freedom — My Two Independence Days
Dear Friends,
As we celebrate the Fourth of July this week, my heart is overflowing with gratitude — not only for our nation’s freedom, but for a very personal kind of freedom God has given me.
I am deeply thankful for the United States of America, for the freedoms we enjoy, and for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much so that we can live in liberty. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” – Psalm 33:12 (NIV)
But this year, my celebration is even more meaningful. Because on July 5th, I will mark my own “Independence Day” — one year since I received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from an anonymous 100% match donor. This transplant was my only hope of beating AML leukemia and providing a long-term cure. By God’s grace, I am now thriving and in great health. In less than two weeks, I will marry my new love, Carolyn. As I have also shared my daughter Susannah and her Husband Caleb are expecting a little girl in November, and I will become a first-time grandfather. Truly, God has done immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)
As I celebrate the gift of life this July, I am reminded of another sacrifice that means even more:
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” – Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
My anonymous donor gave me her blood to save my physical life. But Jesus Christ shed His own blood to save my soul and give me eternal life. No matter what earthly freedom we cherish, the greatest freedom is the one Jesus offers — freedom from sin and the hope of eternity with Him.
“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36 (NIV)
This Independence Day, I’m thankful for my country. I’m thankful for my donor’s gift. But more than anything, I’m thankful for Jesus, my Savior, my Healer, and the One who has given me true freedom.
May your holiday be filled with gratitude, joy, and the knowledge that you, too, are deeply loved and chosen by God.
With Hope!
Scott Folsom
Still, I Will! Ministries
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