True Independence Comes From Within

Posted on July 5, 2025 by mitchteemley

Many people are far from independent. So much of their freedom to choose where, how, and even if they live has been curtailed. So it’s important that we pursue independence for all people everywhere. But it’s also important for us to recognize that…

True independence isn’t external. An addict whose drug is legal still depends upon it. A person who chooses ignorance over knowledge isn’t exercising their freedom, they’re limiting it.

In his youth, Francis of Assisi was, by his own confession, a slave to sin and debauchery. It was only after his imprisonment that he found true independence. There in a prison cell he began to free his heart and mind from the lies and habits that had shackled him for years. There he found a freedom that no one could take away from him.

Why? Because no one had given it to him. No one but the Creator himself, the one who possessed the keys to Francis’s self-imposed shackles. From then on Francis was free. And he used that freedom to set others free.

May we each learn to do the same.

“There is no gate, no lock, no bolt you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” ~Virginia Woolf

“Freeing yourself is one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self is another.” ~Toni Morrison

“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” ~Ralph Ellison

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” ~Francis of Assisi 

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

~John 8:32

III

About mitchteemley

Writer, Filmmaker, Humorist, Thinker-about-stuffer
This entry was posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

37 Responses to True Independence Comes From Within

  1. Cindy Georgakas says:
    July 5, 2025 at 11:53 am

    🙌🏽❤️🙏🏼

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says:
    July 5, 2025 at 11:54 am

    This is beautifully written capturing the essence of true freedom—not as something granted by the world, but as an inner liberation found through divine grace. Thanks for sharing the thoughts.

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says:
    July 5, 2025 at 12:18 pm

    No truer words have been spoken. Very well put.

    Reply
  4. Viona Rasugu says:
    July 5, 2025 at 12:22 pm

    Well articulated, Mitch. Now I understand why they mention Francis of Assisi in church. Enjoy your weekend

    Reply
  5. Lazarus Banda says:
    July 5, 2025 at 12:45 pm

    This is beautifully written

    Reply
  6. Anonymous says:
    July 5, 2025 at 1:02 pm

    This really speaks to me both personally and politically. Thanks.

    Reply
  7. Michele Lee says:
    July 5, 2025 at 1:04 pm

    Francis of Assisi is a source of inspiration. 🙏🏻 Love the quotes! Thanks for sharing, Mitch.

    Reply
  8. L.G. says:
    July 5, 2025 at 1:26 pm

    Thanks for the post

    Reply
  9. Loku says:
    July 5, 2025 at 2:53 pm

    That’s the spirit! 😁

    Reply
  10. Nancy Ruegg says:
    July 5, 2025 at 4:15 pm

    Important truth to understand, Mitch. Some people are looking for freedom TO do as they like. But those who’ve had the means to do so discover that no pleasure in this world satisfies long term. Christ offers freedom FROM the depths of dissatisfaction, aimlessness, guilt, fear, depression, anxiety, and more. You quoted that wonderful verse in John 8, Mitch, about the truth setting us free. Jesus adds in verse 36: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” That is life-changing news, as Francis of Assisi and many others have proved.

    Reply
  11. K.L. Hale says:
    July 5, 2025 at 4:31 pm

    I appreciate this very timely article, Mitch. I just watched “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” last night. A friend and I discussed the life of St. Francis (and St. Clare).
    Your wise words always hit straight to the heart! Wonderful quotes of truth, dear friend!

    Reply
    • #hood says:
      July 5, 2025 at 5:21 pm

      i knew that since loteria mexican bingo

      Reply
    • mitchteemley says:
      July 5, 2025 at 7:37 pm

      Funny, I’ve thinking about watching that again, Karla (I saw it decades ago), although I imagine it’s pretty dated now. It was my introduction St. Francis. Later, as a new believer, I identified with his spiritual journey. Thanks as always for your thoughts, dear friend!

      Reply
      • K.L. Hale says:
        July 7, 2025 at 9:22 pm

        It is dated, for sure. The musical score, scenery, and actors still move me. The scene where they sing in the church he rebuilt~I started to giggle, and had tears when the song finished with the lamb on the table. It still has a profound impact on me. It delivers me to a special place and “knowing”.
        I appreciate you so much, dear Mitch.🙏

        Reply
  12. #hood says:
    July 5, 2025 at 5:20 pm

    verse 34 & chapter 33 call unto thee

    Reply
  13. gc1963 says:
    July 6, 2025 at 12:07 am

    True. Independence is when you know yourself, awaken to your realisation and embrace it.

    Thank you for liking my posts.

    Reply
  14. B.S. Belay says:
    July 6, 2025 at 4:15 am

    I’m so grateful I came across this post…such a beautiful reminder to get back on track and keep working hard towards my goals…thank you so much ✨️

    Reply
  15. luisa zambrotta says:
    July 6, 2025 at 8:38 am

    Thanks for sharing this powerful and inspiring article!

    Reply
  16. gregoryjoel says:
    July 6, 2025 at 11:07 am

    Thank you for the reminder Mitch. So many folks lock then selves up by refusing to accept that freedom is having a relationship with a God who wants the best for His kids – even when it doesn’t feel that wat all the time.

    Reply
  17. pcviii03 says:
    July 7, 2025 at 11:53 am

    Great influece of Francis of Assisi. There is freedom even in chains.
    Blessings

    Reply

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