Freedom Lessons I Learned From My Daughter's Barbie Doll

What a wonderful day to celebrate the freedom we have in know that Jesus paid the price for our sins and any weights of bondage that might keep us from walking in God's absolute best. I pray that you experience that same freedom today as you know that

"He who the Son has set free is FREE indeed." John 8:36

I was so thrilled to receive a precious letter from a young lady who’s life has been dramatically changed since joining EMwomen. For years, she had spent her life trapped in bondage to depression and abusive relationships, slowly losing her joy, peace, and identity. This week, however, she sent me a note describing her new sense of freedom, liberty and happiness as she has begun to realize God’s bigger plan for her life. I thought of my EMsisters and the beauty of this being our national celebration of independence. I pray, on this July 4th, that each of you will find that same independence from whatever bondage, habits, or destructive behaviors have kept you from living your best life now.

Recently, the power of such freedom was made so clear to me as I helped my daughter open a new Barbie doll that was given to her as a gift.

The doll looked so perfect with every hair in place, a perfect little body, and clothes that looked like she stepped right off the runway of fashion.
As we pulled the Barbie out of the box, the revelation began. That “perfect” little doll was so bound by twisty ties that it took us almost 15 minutes to untie her body. As I untwisted each tie, I thought to myself how that doll represents so many of people today. We dress up and look perfect on the outside, trying to tell the world everything is “okay”. But deep inside, so many people live with broken hearts, deep addictions, and toxic emotions that keep them bound to lives of fear, depression, and bitterness.

Upon loosening the final tie of that little Barbie, I heard a little voice say,

“Staci, that is what I have sent you to do on earth; Bring liberty to those who are captive. Bring freedom to those who are bound.

Give them My love, My peace, and the truth of My Word.” Later, I looked up a passage of scripture that was the foundation behind one of the first songs I ever recorded. The story tells of a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. She was pulled from the man’s bed she was in, ashamed, and thrown at the feet of Jesus. Known as a harlot bound in a life of sin, the crowd of men were ready to stone her for her life of bondage. Jesus, however, proved to us all that freedom is possible to anyone who chooses to believe. He looked at the people and said, “He who is without sin may cast the first stone.” But one by one they walked away, knowing that all have sinned and felt the same bondage of entrapment at one time or another. Once they had all left, Jesus began to untie her chains of bondage by saying, “Neither do I condemn you, now go and sin no more.”
No matter what it is that has bound you in the past, today can be your day of freedom. Listen to this song and find the peace of knowing that you, like that Barbie, or that woman in scripture, can be free.

“And you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free.” John 8:32