by Michele Cheresnick, LAS, Affiliation Coordinator

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." — Deuteronomy 30:19

I love the 4th of July—the patriotism, the celebrations, the fireworks… and honestly, do hot dogs just taste better in July, or is it just me? 

This entire month will be filled with reminders of freedom—the idea that we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In our culture, these words are often viewed through the lens of our personal freedom and individual choice: That life is about autonomy, liberty is about the freedom to do as we want, and the pursuit of happiness is often seen as the freedom to chase whatever fulfills us.  

As followers of Christ, we know that freedom means something deeper.

Culture often defines freedom as the ability to choose whatever we want. But Scripture gives us a deeper picture—freedom isn’t just having choices; it’s the gift of being able to choose what is true, what is good, and what leads to life. 

God has always placed before His people a choice, not to burden them, but to bless them. 

His heart has always been the same: Choose life.

His invitation has always been the same: Choose life.

God doesn't force obedience. He doesn't manipulate. He doesn’t coerce. He lovingly invites. He reveals His heart, sets out the path before us, and calls us to trust Him.

Isn't that what we strive to do every day in pregnancy help ministry?

Pregnancy Help Organizations meet women and men at deeply vulnerable moments. Listening before speaking, understanding before offering direction.  Providing truthful information, compassionate care, practical support, and the hope of Christ – creating a space where there is dignity and where the possibility of choosing life can be clearly seen.  

Perhaps that is one of the greatest expressions of Christian freedom—not insisting on our own way, but becoming people who reflect the heart of Jesus. He never separated truth from grace. He offered both, and in doing so, He changed lives forever.

So as flags wave, fireworks fill the sky, and the smell of hot dogs fills the air,  may we remember that the greatest freedom we have is found in Christ. And may that freedom be evident in the way we love others—with patience, compassion, courage, and unwavering hope.