Chained

It has been a long time since I have been encased in such a heavy burden. (I speak of the debate about the role of family in society. To stay forever or to go out in the world. What do these things mean and what are their consequences?!!)

The Lord’s yolk is light and His burden is easy.

It seems that these rules and regulations that I “must follow” in order to be "truly godly" are just excess baggage. Follow the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Obey Him. Care for widows and orphans. There are no explicit instructions regarding how old you must be before you leave the home or to what degree one is always under the parental authority. I am allowing, but I cannot allow man’s understandings and rules to reign over me. Some will follow Sabbaths and New Moons, some will eat meat and some will not. I will honor and obey my parents. I will be under the authority of my father.

But I will no longer allow myself to be shackled by the rules of others.

They are dragging me down to the depths. Why? Because it takes away all I thought I was going to do and be. Am I then finding my identity and hope in Jesus, or am I finding it in my plans? Am I willing to let go of my plans for Him? I think so. I just watched Amazing Grace and I was re-reminded that I like to fight for causes. I like to protest (although I have never been in one,) but “am I allowed,” according to these new thoughts? Or is that not for a woman? Can I go overseas? Can I be a missionary? Why am I a teacher?

These are all legalistic rules!! I am now chained by them. How can I escape?

How did I so quickly come to be their prisoner?