Real Freedom: Faith, Freedom, and Life Beyond the 4th of July

What does true freedom really mean beyond fireworks, parades, and patriotic speeches? In this powerful episode of Real Freedom, we go beyond the red, white, and blue to explore the deeper meaning of freedom—through the lens of faith, personal liberty, and spiritual transformation.

Join us as we unpack how faith intersects with freedom, challenge cultural norms around Independence Day, and uncover what it means to live freely in today’s world—not just as citizens, but as people of purpose.

Whether you’re wrestling with political tension, seeking spiritual clarity, or simply wondering how to reclaim your personal liberty in a noisy world, this episode is a must-listen.

Subscribe and share with someone who’s searching for real freedom—beyond just July 4th.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to Holly's Highlights
• 1:05 Freedom Beyond Independence Day
• 4:00 Three Ways to Engage Wisely
• 6:30 Making Your Freedom Count This Summer
• 8:16 Challenge and Closing Thoughts
• 9:43 Resources and Announcements

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Hi friend, welcome to Holly's Highlights, a podcast designed to encourage, inspire and equip you to intentionally live your life full of purpose. I'm your host, holly Kirby, motivational speaker, leadership cultivator, marketing strategist and personal cheerleader. Let's check out today's highlights, this episode brought to you by Heal Chiropractic. At Heal Chiropractic, dr Bryce Heal understands each patient is a unique individual and will customize treatments to their specific needs. Dr Heal specializes in auto and work injuries, chronic headaches, neck pain and shoulder issues, tmj, and can do decompression on hernia discs in your neck and low back. As a certified PGA sports chiropractor and head coach of a local high school state champion rugby team, dr Hill is pro at sports injuries too. You're sure to benefit from the effective therapies you'll receive at Hill Chiropractic, where you're treated like family. For more information, visit hill-chiropracticcom. Hey friend, so glad you're here today.

Speaker 1: 1:09

We're talking about something big, bigger than parades, fireworks or even a long weekend off. We're talking about freedom, not just the kind we celebrate on July 4th, but the kind we carry in our everyday lives. Now we just wrapped another Independence Day up. You know, our family went up to the family cabin where we went to a local fair and ate some yummy food from local vendors and food trucks. I personally loved the lemonade. I had a peach, strawberry, orange lemonade. It was so refreshing, and then also they had a really good corn on the cob. But anyhow, our family also went boating. We played games and we even started our own first 5k-ish walk run. Kind of a long story there. And yes, like most of you, on the 4th we saw the sky light up with fireworks over the lake. That was a great time together and I'm sure you saw flags fly and patriotic songs ring out over the 4th too.

Speaker 1: 2:01

But now what? How do we actually live free to? But now what? How do we actually live free, especially in a world that can feel so divided and discouraged or just plain noisy? Now, in today's episode, I want to help us pause, refocus and even reconnect with what real freedom looks like, not just politically, but personally, spiritually and practically. So let's dive in Now.

Speaker 1: 2:25

July 4th marks a moment in history. We all know that the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But honestly, freedom didn't begin with that document. It began with God. That declaration says we hold these truths to be self-evident. That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. That's from the Bible, genesis 1.27 tells us that we are created in God's image, and 2 Corinthians 3.17 says where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. That's a kind of freedom deeper than fireworks. It's freedom for your soul, freedom from fear and shame, comparison addiction, whatever is holding you back.

Speaker 1: 3:07

Now here's something that caught my attention. As of 2024, about 70% of Americans say that the country is headed in the wrong direction politically, but over 80% still say faith and family are their top priorities. Now that tells me that, deep down, people are looking for more priorities. Now that tells me that, deep down, people are looking for more. They're craving real freedom, not just from the world around them, but from the weight within them. So let me ask you what's one area in your life where you feel stuck? Is it your thoughts, your schedule, maybe your marriage or your sense of purpose? Take a breath, ask God what does freedom look like right here, right now, right where I am? He'll show you, and he won't just give you answers, he'll actually walk it out with you Now.

Speaker 1: 3:58

That word freedom, it gets tossed around a lot. You hear it in politics and arguments, even in social media, but scripture paints a different picture. Galatians 5.13 says you, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free, but do not use freedom to indulge the flesh. Rather serve one another humbly in love. That's not just a feel-good verse, that's a challenge. Freedom isn't about doing what we want. It's about living in a way that lifts others up.

Speaker 1: 4:29

And here's something that really stuck with me too. A recent LifeWay study said 62% of Christians think the US is more divided than ever, but only 37% feel equipped to engage culture wisely. There's a big gap there. So let's look at three simple ways that we can start engaging big gap there. So let's look at three simple ways that we can start engaging.

Speaker 1: 4:52

Number one listen well, especially to people you disagree with. Curiosity goes a long way. Now I teach our new hires at work, regarding both guests and team members, that we're not going to always agree with everyone or have the same views or even the same values and priorities, but we can treat everyone with respect, and part of that can simply be through listening. Number two pray intentionally, and not just when things don't go your way, but daily. Pray for your leaders, even the ones that frustrate you, and this goes for our government as well as even leadership in our workplace frustrate you, and this goes for our government as well as even leadership in our workplace. For those of you who have served or are serving in leadership roles, there's a lot to that Things that you can't share, decisions that can weigh heavy on you, even regrets over decisions you have made. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone praying for you, regardless if they agreed with you or not? So, intentionally, pray for our leaders. And number three serve.

Speaker 1: 5:54

Do something small this week that shows love, maybe to a neighbor, a coworker, even a stranger, that park strip that edges up against your neighbors. Why not make it simple for them and just mow it? When was the last time you wrote a thank you card, or even just a good job card to a coworker and took them their favorite treat? Or one thing my son always has a sensitive heart in doing grab an extra meal at that fast food place and take it to the person asking for food down the street. You don't need a microphone or a big platform to make a difference, just a heart that's willing. Okay, now let's bring this closer to home.

Speaker 1: 6:30

Now that the sparklers are out and the barbecue leftovers are hopefully gone, what's next Summer? Has this energy to it, this wide open space to breathe and, as we talked about last episode, to reset and to live with intention. But here's the thing Freedom isn't just something we enjoy, it's something we steward. So here are three simple ways to make your freedom count this summer. First, start your mornings with gratitude. Just list three things you're thankful for. It's a small shift that changes everything and, as I've shared before, there are many an episodes here on gratitude, on Holly's Highlights, if you want to dive deeper on this one.

Speaker 1: 7:14

Number two prioritize time. Block out time for rest, reading, scripture or just being still. Don't let the busyness steal your peace. Remembering our last episode, together we talked about the tip of simply asking yourself what matters now, in this moment. And number three be selfless. Pay for someone's coffee, volunteer, write that encouraging text. Freedom grows when we give or encourage others in some way. Ephesians 5, 15 through 16 reminds us be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. So let's not just coast through the summer, let's live it on purpose.

Speaker 1: 8:02

All right, now time for a challenge. Freedom is a gift, but it's also a responsibility. So here are two questions I want you to sit with this week responsibility. So here are two questions I want you to sit with this week. First of all, where has god already set you free? Where has god already set you free and how can you use that freedom to help someone else? And yes, ultimately through the gift of salvation, as we discuss in season one here on holly's highlights and many an episode since. But this could be from addiction, a temptation, a fear. Where has God already set you free and how can you use that freedom to help someone else? And number two where do you still need him to work? Maybe entrusting him or walking by faith? Maybe it's holding things more loosely, as we discussed earlier this season. Don't hide it in the dark. Bring it into the light.

Speaker 1: 9:00

I'm also going to challenge you to do one bold thing this week. That could be share your story with someone. That could be invite someone to church or even forgive someone who totally doesn't deserve it. Whatever that bold thing is for you, do it, not because you have to, but because you're free to do so. Thanks for spending part of your day with me. I hope you walk away from this episode a little more encouraged, a little more grounded and a lot more aware of just how free you already are, or can be, in Christ. If this episode encouraged you, would you do me a quick favor, rate it, share it or even send it to a friend. You never know who might need a little hope in their life right now.

Speaker 1: 9:43

And speaking of hope, I'm currently working on some content and resources to complement my book Facelift Embracing Hope Through your Heartaches. So if you haven't purchased your copy yet, I'd welcome you to do so. Facelift is available through your local bookstores and online retailers such as Target, walmart, barnes, noble and, yes, even Amazon. Keep in mind, if you're listening, right now, which is July 8th 2025, there is Amazon Prime deals going on, so make sure to hop on that. A portion of all proceeds of facelift is also donated to Huntsman Cancer Foundation, so you're contributing to a good cause too.

Speaker 1: 10:17

A new edition of the monthly Holly's Happenings sends out shortly too, so if you haven't signed up for this free monthly email with a thoughtful mix of insight, inspiration and practical takeaways, then this is your go-to source to help you lead, grow and stay grounded, all in under five minutes. You can sign up at hollycurbycom. That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycom under let's Stay in Touch Until next time. Stay grounded, stay grateful, and those who have or are currently serving our country. Thank you. Thank you to you and your family for your service. Thank you for joining me on this journey of life. I hope that today's highlight has been encouraging, inspiring and equipping so you can go out and live your life full of purpose. I'd be honored if you'd take a moment to leave a review or, better yet, subscribe. We can also stay in touch by joining my email list at hollykirbycom. That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycom. Until next time, make it a great day for a great day.