The European Union that’s where it all begins for me this week.
I celebrated along side the #brexit folks. Literally, jumped from bed amid twitter banter about the #brexit pros and cons. The one main pro that stood out to me was freedom. Over half of a voting population came together in honor of their sovereignty. Privileged to witness it. After all, I am an American. The land of the free and the home of the brave. At least in theory.
The EU began as a noble concept. Globalization. Let’s all get along, pool our resources and create a viable economy via trade and tariff reduction to allow for ‘prosperity for all’. We then see a morphing of ‘free range’. That works for chickens, not so much for people. Why? Because once again, money does not create conducive neighbors, culture does. And what is culture but a set of ideologies. Social constructs that ultimately influence the fiscal. As I’ve said a million times, all things begin in the spirit. As a man thinketh so is he. As a man believes [about life, freedom, socially acceptable behavior, faith] so will he show up on the stage of commerce.
The architecture of the EU is slightly reminiscent of a dysfunctional MLM. It offers all the protection, perks, and idolatry for those at the top of the pyramid yet, nothing for those at the base waiting for the crumbs to fall from the top tiers. The base, in this instance, basically walked out from under the top of the pyramid and it all came crumbling down. Excellent choice. Too much weight, too much control, not enough ‘give’ to sustain the winds of a world gone mad with terrorism and socio-political jihad not to mention, the abrasive economic impact that would make a vietnamese pedicurist envious ( those chicks are rough sometimes). In a nutshell, it’s been hell on the natives and they just burned the Chief’s Teepee down. Makes me proud.
I’m not afraid of change. I’m not afraid of adversity and uncertainty. The advantages of having lived one ‘hell’ of a life thus far. Freedom excites me and those brave enough to execute with the unknown staring them in the face, are my heroes. God is in the unknown. And miracles happen there. Trust me.
So, where do we go from here? Up. And over. And down. And up again. And over again. We will watch an otherwise civilized society, attempt to deny the temptation to cannibalize each other. The greedy ones will come for those who worship fear, allowing for perpetual victim status. Invest now in #eulivesmatter shirts. The media will shape narratives of despair and division preying on the ignorance of the most educated. This is when education isn’t as beneficial as wisdom. With all the information churning about, extensive vocabulary will only get you so far. This is a time when the world is engaged and speaking the native tongue of ‘we are at war’, K.I.S.S. is most effective. And have no doubt, we are indeed, at war and people need hope.
Ephesians 6:12 says it best. But most of us are naked and looking to the ones responsible for the chaos to throw something over us to cover our numb souls devoid of absolute truth. Things are shaking and I wonder what your foundation is. I’ve had to check mine for sure. . A man with no rule over his own spirit is like a city with its walls down. This proverb is easily ascribed to the EU and the notion that somehow while evil is resident in the earth, we can all just get along. No. We can’t.
Each country has a prevailing spirit that reigns from without (eph 6:12) and from within (what we consent to). When humanism and subjectivity rule, we will find the oppressor covertly spinning his web. The lure of unity and prosperity serve to fatten us for digestion of a ruthless enemy birthed in occlusive lies and division. He comes to steal, kill and destroy.
My spirit is excited. I’m thankful our malaise is over. Our slumber, cut short. Fear not fellow sojourners, we have a merciful creator waiting for our cries to reach his ears. Lift up your head, your redemption draws near. This isn’t the time to scurry about, this is the time to stand. Stand guard over your heart, mind and body. Lean not on your own understanding, accept the knowledge and reign of Christ and live. Abundantly. Have rule over your own spirit, pray for your nation’s spirit and take your peace. Righteousness, Peace & Joy are our gifts. Embrace the uncertainty.
Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM.
xo,
Monica