July 02, 2026
As we approach this Fourth of July, I find myself filled with anticipation. This year marks the 250th anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence -- a milestone that naturally invites us to reflect on the meaning of freedom.
Freedom is one of the reasons I was drawn to the New Thought movement. It has become one of my favorite themes to explore because I believe our deepest longing is not simply political freedom, but spiritual freedom -- the freedom to awaken to who we truly are.
This month also marks a personal anniversary. Two years ago, I made a journey from southwest Florida to coastal Virginia to serve as Senior Minister at Unity Renaissance. What a gift these two years have been. Together we have laughed, learned, grown, and continued awakening to the truth of our divine identity. I am deeply grateful for each of you.
Throughout July we'll explore our theme, Birthing the Mind of Christ, discovering that the greatest declaration of independence is the one we make within. Each time we choose Love over fear, Truth over appearances, and our divine nature over old conditioning, we reclaim the freedom that has always belonged to us.
I'd like to leave you with two reflections that have profoundly shaped my own journey.
Charles Fillmore reminds us that true freedom is "the quality or state of being without bondage, limitation, or repression... a sense of complete well-being." He teaches that lasting freedom is found as we seek first the Mind of Christ through prayer, meditation, and communion with God.
Ernest Holmes offers another beautiful insight: "We are bound because we are first free; the power which appears to bind us is the only power in the universe which can free us... It is done unto you as you believe."
As you celebrate this Independence Day, I invite you to gently contemplate:
- What does freedom truly mean to me?
- Where have I experienced the peace and well-being that Fillmore describes?
- What beliefs keep me from recognizing my divine nature?
- What new declaration of freedom am I ready to make?
May this be a month of remembering who we are, embracing the Mind of Christ, and living the freedom our souls have always known.
I Love You,
Reverend René