July 8, 2025 • 11 mins
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.
Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hi friend, welcome to Holly's Highlights, a podcast
designed to encourage, inspireand equip you to intentionally
live your life full of purpose.
I'm your host, holly Kirby,motivational speaker, leadership
cultivator, marketingstrategist and personal
cheerleader.
Let's check out today'shighlights, this episode brought
(00:22):
to you by Heal Chiropractic.
At Heal Chiropractic, dr BryceHeal understands each patient is
a unique individual and willcustomize treatments to their
specific needs.
Dr Heal specializes in auto andwork injuries, chronic
headaches, neck pain andshoulder issues, tmj, and can do
decompression on hernia discsin your neck and low back.
(00:43):
As a certified PGA sportschiropractor and head coach of a
local high school statechampion rugby team, dr Hill is
pro at sports injuries too.
You're sure to benefit from theeffective therapies you'll
receive at Hill Chiropractic,where you're treated like family
.
For more information, visithill-chiropracticcom.
Hey friend, so glad you're heretoday.
(01:09):
We're talking about somethingbig, bigger than parades,
fireworks or even a long weekendoff.
We're talking about freedom,not just the kind we celebrate
on July 4th, but the kind wecarry in our everyday lives.
Now we just wrapped anotherIndependence Day up.
You know, our family went up tothe family cabin where we went
to a local fair and ate someyummy food from local vendors
(01:30):
and food trucks.
I personally loved the lemonade.
I had a peach, strawberry,orange lemonade.
It was so refreshing, and thenalso they had a really good corn
on the cob.
But anyhow, our family alsowent boating.
We played games and we evenstarted our own first 5k-ish
walk run.
Kind of a long story there.
And yes, like most of you, onthe 4th we saw the sky light up
(01:52):
with fireworks over the lake.
That was a great time togetherand I'm sure you saw flags fly
and patriotic songs ring outover the 4th too.
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 discouragedor just plain noisy?
Now, in today's episode, I wantto help us pause, refocus and
(02:14):
even reconnect with what realfreedom looks like, not just
politically, but personally,spiritually and practically.
So let's dive in Now.
July 4th marks a moment inhistory.
We all know that theDeclaration of Independence in
1776.
But honestly, freedom didn'tbegin with that document.
It began with God.
(02:35):
That declaration says we holdthese truths to be self-evident.
That all men are created equal,that they are endowed by their
creator with certain inalienablerights.
That's from the Bible, genesis1.27 tells us that we are
created in God's image, and 2Corinthians 3.17 says where the
spirit of the Lord is, there isfreedom.
(02:56):
That's a kind of freedom deeperthan fireworks.
It's freedom for your soul,freedom from fear and shame,
comparison addiction, whateveris holding you back.
Now here's something that caughtmy attention.
As of 2024, about 70% ofAmericans say that the country
is headed in the wrong directionpolitically, but over 80% still
(03:17):
say faith and family are theirtop priorities.
Now that tells me that, deepdown, people are looking for
more priorities.
Now that tells me that, deepdown, people are looking for
more.
They're craving real freedom,not just from the world around
them, but from the weight withinthem.
So let me ask you what's onearea in your life where you feel
stuck?
Is it your thoughts, yourschedule, maybe your marriage or
(03:40):
your sense of purpose?
Take a breath, ask God whatdoes freedom look like right
here, right now, right where Iam?
He'll show you, and he won'tjust give you answers, he'll
actually walk it out with youNow.
That word freedom, it getstossed around a lot.
(04:01):
You hear it in politics andarguments, even in social media,
but scripture paints adifferent picture.
Galatians 5.13 says you, mybrothers and sisters, were
called to be free, but do notuse freedom to indulge the flesh
.
Rather serve one another humblyin love.
That's not just a feel-goodverse, that's a challenge.
(04:22):
Freedom isn't about doing whatwe want.
It's about living in a way thatlifts others up.
And here's something that reallystuck with me too.
A recent LifeWay study said 62%of Christians think the US is
more divided than ever, but only37% feel equipped to engage
culture wisely.
There's a big gap there.
(04:43):
So let's look at three simpleways that we can start engaging
big gap there.
So let's look at three simpleways that we can start engaging.
Number one listen well,especially to people you
disagree with.
Curiosity goes a long way.
Now I teach our new hires atwork, regarding both guests and
team members, that we're notgoing to always agree with
everyone or have the same viewsor even the same values and
(05:04):
priorities, but we can treateveryone with respect, and part
of that can simply be throughlistening.
Number two pray intentionally,and not just when things don't
go your way, but daily.
Pray for your leaders, even theones that frustrate you, and
this goes for our government aswell as even leadership in our
(05:27):
workplace frustrate you, andthis goes for our government as
well as even leadership in ourworkplace.
For those of you who haveserved or are serving in
leadership roles, there's a lotto that Things that you can't
share, decisions that can weighheavy on you, even regrets over
decisions you have made.
Wouldn't it be nice to havesomeone praying for you,
regardless if they agreed withyou or not?
So, intentionally, pray for ourleaders.
(05:50):
And number three serve.
Do something small this weekthat shows love, maybe to a
neighbor, a coworker, even astranger, that park strip that
edges up against your neighbors.
Why not make it simple for themand just mow it?
When was the last time youwrote a thank you card, or even
just a good job card to acoworker and took them their
(06:11):
favorite treat?
Or one thing my son always hasa sensitive heart in doing grab
an extra meal at that fast foodplace and take it to the person
asking for food down the street.
You don't need a microphone ora big platform to make a
difference, just a heart that'swilling.
Okay, now let's bring thiscloser to home.
Now that the sparklers are outand the barbecue leftovers are
(06:33):
hopefully gone, what's nextSummer?
Has this energy to it, thiswide open space to breathe and,
as we talked about last episode,to reset and to live with
intention.
But here's the thing Freedomisn't just something we enjoy,
it's something we steward.
So here are three simple waysto make your freedom count this
(06:57):
summer.
First, start your mornings withgratitude.
Just list three things you'rethankful for.
It's a small shift that changeseverything and, as I've shared
before, there are many anepisodes here on gratitude, on
Holly's Highlights, if you wantto dive deeper on this one.
Number two prioritize time.
Block out time for rest,reading, scripture or just being
(07:21):
still.
Don't let the busyness stealyour peace.
Remembering our last episode,together we talked about the tip
of simply asking yourself whatmatters now, in this moment.
And number three be selfless.
Pay for someone's coffee,volunteer, write that
encouraging text.
Freedom grows when we give orencourage others in some way.
(07:45):
Ephesians 5, 15 through 16reminds 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 throughthe summer, let's live it on
purpose.
All right, now time for achallenge.
Freedom is a gift, but it'salso a responsibility.
(08:07):
So here are two questions Iwant you to sit with this week
responsibility.
So here are two questions Iwant you to sit with this week.
First of all, where has godalready set you free?
Where has god already set youfree and how can you use that
freedom to help someone else?
And yes, ultimately through thegift of salvation, as we
(08:27):
discuss in season one here onholly's highlights and many an
episode since.
But this could be fromaddiction, a temptation, a fear.
Where has God already set youfree and how can you use that
freedom to help someone else?
And number two where do youstill need him to work?
Maybe entrusting him or walkingby faith?
(08:50):
Maybe it's holding things moreloosely, as we discussed earlier
this season.
Don't hide it in the dark.
Bring it into the light.
I'm also going to challenge youto do one bold thing this week.
That could be share your storywith someone.
That could be invite someone tochurch or even forgive someone
who totally doesn't deserve it.
(09:11):
Whatever that bold thing is foryou, do it, not because you
have to, but because you're freeto do so.
Thanks for spending part ofyour day with me.
I hope you walk away from thisepisode a little more encouraged
, a little more grounded and alot more aware of just how free
you already are, or can be, inChrist.
(09:32):
If this episode encouraged you,would you do me a quick favor,
rate it, share it or even sendit to a friend.
You never know who might need alittle hope in their life right
now.
And speaking of hope, I'mcurrently working on some
content and resources tocomplement my book Facelift
Embracing Hope Through yourHeartaches.
So if you haven't purchasedyour copy yet, I'd welcome you
to do so.
(09:52):
Facelift is available throughyour local bookstores and online
retailers such as Target,walmart, barnes, noble and, yes,
even Amazon.
Keep in mind, if you'relistening, right now, which is
July 8th 2025, there is AmazonPrime deals going on, so make
sure to hop on that.
A portion of all proceeds offacelift is also donated to
(10:12):
Huntsman Cancer Foundation, soyou're contributing to a good
cause too.
A new edition of the monthlyHolly's Happenings sends out
shortly too, so if you haven'tsigned up for this free monthly
email with a thoughtful mix ofinsight, inspiration and
practical takeaways, then thisis your go-to source to help you
lead, grow and stay grounded,all in under five minutes.
(10:33):
You can sign up athollycurbycom.
That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycomunder 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 yourfamily for your service.
Thank you for joining me onthis journey of life.
(10:56):
I hope that today's highlighthas been encouraging, inspiring
and equipping so you can go outand live your life full of
purpose.
I'd be honored if you'd take amoment to leave a review or,
better yet, subscribe.
We can also stay in touch byjoining my email list at
hollykirbycom.
That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycom.
(11:19):
Until next time, make it agreat day for a great day.
Hi friend, welcome to Holly's Highlights, a podcast
designed to encourage, inspireand equip you to intentionally
live your life full of purpose.
I'm your host, holly Kirby,motivational speaker, leadership
cultivator, marketingstrategist and personal
cheerleader.
Let's check out today'shighlights, this episode brought
(00:22):
to you by Heal Chiropractic.
At Heal Chiropractic, dr BryceHeal understands each patient is
a unique individual and willcustomize treatments to their
specific needs.
Dr Heal specializes in auto andwork injuries, chronic
headaches, neck pain andshoulder issues, tmj, and can do
decompression on hernia discsin your neck and low back.
(00:43):
As a certified PGA sportschiropractor and head coach of a
local high school statechampion rugby team, dr Hill is
pro at sports injuries too.
You're sure to benefit from theeffective therapies you'll
receive at Hill Chiropractic,where you're treated like family
.
For more information, visithill-chiropracticcom.
Hey friend, so glad you're heretoday.
(01:09):
We're talking about somethingbig, bigger than parades,
fireworks or even a long weekendoff.
We're talking about freedom,not just the kind we celebrate
on July 4th, but the kind wecarry in our everyday lives.
Now we just wrapped anotherIndependence Day up.
You know, our family went up tothe family cabin where we went
to a local fair and ate someyummy food from local vendors
(01:30):
and food trucks.
I personally loved the lemonade.
I had a peach, strawberry,orange lemonade.
It was so refreshing, and thenalso they had a really good corn
on the cob.
But anyhow, our family alsowent boating.
We played games and we evenstarted our own first 5k-ish
walk run.
Kind of a long story there.
And yes, like most of you, onthe 4th we saw the sky light up
(01:52):
with fireworks over the lake.
That was a great time togetherand I'm sure you saw flags fly
and patriotic songs ring outover the 4th too.
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 discouragedor just plain noisy?
Now, in today's episode, I wantto help us pause, refocus and
(02:14):
even reconnect with what realfreedom looks like, not just
politically, but personally,spiritually and practically.
So let's dive in Now.
July 4th marks a moment inhistory.
We all know that theDeclaration of Independence in
1776.
But honestly, freedom didn'tbegin with that document.
It began with God.
(02:35):
That declaration says we holdthese truths to be self-evident.
That all men are created equal,that they are endowed by their
creator with certain inalienablerights.
That's from the Bible, genesis1.27 tells us that we are
created in God's image, and 2Corinthians 3.17 says where the
spirit of the Lord is, there isfreedom.
(02:56):
That's a kind of freedom deeperthan fireworks.
It's freedom for your soul,freedom from fear and shame,
comparison addiction, whateveris holding you back.
Now here's something that caughtmy attention.
As of 2024, about 70% ofAmericans say that the country
is headed in the wrong directionpolitically, but over 80% still
(03:17):
say faith and family are theirtop priorities.
Now that tells me that, deepdown, people are looking for
more priorities.
Now that tells me that, deepdown, people are looking for
more.
They're craving real freedom,not just from the world around
them, but from the weight withinthem.
So let me ask you what's onearea in your life where you feel
stuck?
Is it your thoughts, yourschedule, maybe your marriage or
(03:40):
your sense of purpose?
Take a breath, ask God whatdoes freedom look like right
here, right now, right where Iam?
He'll show you, and he won'tjust give you answers, he'll
actually walk it out with youNow.
That word freedom, it getstossed around a lot.
(04:01):
You hear it in politics andarguments, even in social media,
but scripture paints adifferent picture.
Galatians 5.13 says you, mybrothers and sisters, were
called to be free, but do notuse freedom to indulge the flesh
.
Rather serve one another humblyin love.
That's not just a feel-goodverse, that's a challenge.
(04:22):
Freedom isn't about doing whatwe want.
It's about living in a way thatlifts others up.
And here's something that reallystuck with me too.
A recent LifeWay study said 62%of Christians think the US is
more divided than ever, but only37% feel equipped to engage
culture wisely.
There's a big gap there.
(04:43):
So let's look at three simpleways that we can start engaging
big gap there.
So let's look at three simpleways that we can start engaging.
Number one listen well,especially to people you
disagree with.
Curiosity goes a long way.
Now I teach our new hires atwork, regarding both guests and
team members, that we're notgoing to always agree with
everyone or have the same viewsor even the same values and
(05:04):
priorities, but we can treateveryone with respect, and part
of that can simply be throughlistening.
Number two pray intentionally,and not just when things don't
go your way, but daily.
Pray for your leaders, even theones that frustrate you, and
this goes for our government aswell as even leadership in our
(05:27):
workplace frustrate you, andthis goes for our government as
well as even leadership in ourworkplace.
For those of you who haveserved or are serving in
leadership roles, there's a lotto that Things that you can't
share, decisions that can weighheavy on you, even regrets over
decisions you have made.
Wouldn't it be nice to havesomeone praying for you,
regardless if they agreed withyou or not?
So, intentionally, pray for ourleaders.
(05:50):
And number three serve.
Do something small this weekthat shows love, maybe to a
neighbor, a coworker, even astranger, that park strip that
edges up against your neighbors.
Why not make it simple for themand just mow it?
When was the last time youwrote a thank you card, or even
just a good job card to acoworker and took them their
(06:11):
favorite treat?
Or one thing my son always hasa sensitive heart in doing grab
an extra meal at that fast foodplace and take it to the person
asking for food down the street.
You don't need a microphone ora big platform to make a
difference, just a heart that'swilling.
Okay, now let's bring thiscloser to home.
Now that the sparklers are outand the barbecue leftovers are
(06:33):
hopefully gone, what's nextSummer?
Has this energy to it, thiswide open space to breathe and,
as we talked about last episode,to reset and to live with
intention.
But here's the thing Freedomisn't just something we enjoy,
it's something we steward.
So here are three simple waysto make your freedom count this
(06:57):
summer.
First, start your mornings withgratitude.
Just list three things you'rethankful for.
It's a small shift that changeseverything and, as I've shared
before, there are many anepisodes here on gratitude, on
Holly's Highlights, if you wantto dive deeper on this one.
Number two prioritize time.
Block out time for rest,reading, scripture or just being
(07:21):
still.
Don't let the busyness stealyour peace.
Remembering our last episode,together we talked about the tip
of simply asking yourself whatmatters now, in this moment.
And number three be selfless.
Pay for someone's coffee,volunteer, write that
encouraging text.
Freedom grows when we give orencourage others in some way.
(07:45):
Ephesians 5, 15 through 16reminds 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 throughthe summer, let's live it on
purpose.
All right, now time for achallenge.
Freedom is a gift, but it'salso a responsibility.
(08:07):
So here are two questions Iwant you to sit with this week
responsibility.
So here are two questions Iwant you to sit with this week.
First of all, where has godalready set you free?
Where has god already set youfree and how can you use that
freedom to help someone else?
And yes, ultimately through thegift of salvation, as we
(08:27):
discuss in season one here onholly's highlights and many an
episode since.
But this could be fromaddiction, a temptation, a fear.
Where has God already set youfree and how can you use that
freedom to help someone else?
And number two where do youstill need him to work?
Maybe entrusting him or walkingby faith?
(08:50):
Maybe it's holding things moreloosely, as we discussed earlier
this season.
Don't hide it in the dark.
Bring it into the light.
I'm also going to challenge youto do one bold thing this week.
That could be share your storywith someone.
That could be invite someone tochurch or even forgive someone
who totally doesn't deserve it.
(09:11):
Whatever that bold thing is foryou, do it, not because you
have to, but because you're freeto do so.
Thanks for spending part ofyour day with me.
I hope you walk away from thisepisode a little more encouraged
, a little more grounded and alot more aware of just how free
you already are, or can be, inChrist.
(09:32):
If this episode encouraged you,would you do me a quick favor,
rate it, share it or even sendit to a friend.
You never know who might need alittle hope in their life right
now.
And speaking of hope, I'mcurrently working on some
content and resources tocomplement my book Facelift
Embracing Hope Through yourHeartaches.
So if you haven't purchasedyour copy yet, I'd welcome you
to do so.
(09:52):
Facelift is available throughyour local bookstores and online
retailers such as Target,walmart, barnes, noble and, yes,
even Amazon.
Keep in mind, if you'relistening, right now, which is
July 8th 2025, there is AmazonPrime deals going on, so make
sure to hop on that.
A portion of all proceeds offacelift is also donated to
(10:12):
Huntsman Cancer Foundation, soyou're contributing to a good
cause too.
A new edition of the monthlyHolly's Happenings sends out
shortly too, so if you haven'tsigned up for this free monthly
email with a thoughtful mix ofinsight, inspiration and
practical takeaways, then thisis your go-to source to help you
lead, grow and stay grounded,all in under five minutes.
(10:33):
You can sign up athollycurbycom.
That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycomunder 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 yourfamily for your service.
Thank you for joining me onthis journey of life.
(10:56):
I hope that today's highlighthas been encouraging, inspiring
and equipping so you can go outand live your life full of
purpose.
I'd be honored if you'd take amoment to leave a review or,
better yet, subscribe.
We can also stay in touch byjoining my email list at
hollykirbycom.
That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycom.
(11:19):
Until next time, make it agreat day for a great day.
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