Freedom - Letting Go And Embracing ChristSample

### Freedom from Expectations There are so many expectations placed on women. Sometimes it feels like an endless cycle of responsibilities that will eat us alive. Pay the bills, prepare dinner, sign the school folders, do the laundry, clean the house, keep up with friends, maintain a good marriage, keep the kids alive. It’s just a bit much. But let’s be honest—most of these expectations are things we put on ourselves. We are trying to measure up, do the best, and keep all the plates spinning. My husband always laughs at me when I apologize for the overflowing laundry basket and reminds me that he’s perfectly capable of washing his own underwear. We have these expectations for who we should be, but are those from the Lord? Nope . This is freedom found in Christ. We are free from the law. In this reading plan, we are going to learn from the greatest teacher, Jesus, and see how His interactions with some people can show us a thing or two about what God truly expects from us. Be ready to walk into this week and find some freedom from expectations. Let’s get real for a minute—many people turn the gospel into bad, negative news for women. These people might say men are “more important Christ followers”. This becomes especially bad news for moms. We are doing the not-so-glamorous, in-the-trenches work that is unseen, and sometimes un-thanked (except on Mother’s Day, when donuts cover all wounds). But can I tell you something I love? Jesus spent time with women. And by spending time with them (particularly in the culture of the first-century), He showed that women were valuable and important. Not just the women who were leaders, wealthy, or well-known, but women just like you and me. The imperfect women, the unseen women, the women doing the hard work in the everyday world. He took time to sit with them and listen to them. Let that be a beautiful reminder: you are valued by the Savior of the world. Go ahead and still put in that load of laundry though (if that’s on your list for today), because we aren’t talking about walking away from your responsibilities—just claiming a little freedom along the way.