5 Obstacles Keeping You Grounded

Freedom almost didn’t happen. In 1780, William Wilberforce began his political career at the young age of 21. Four years later, he became an evangelical Christian and thought he should leave politics and enter professional ministry. He pondered this decision, fearing he would not be serving God if he stayed where he was.

For him, it was a pivotal moment. And a pivotal moment for freedom.

Writes poet Erin Hanson:

“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask, ‘What if I fall?’
Oh but my darling
What if you fly?”

With the advice of mentor John Newton, Wilberforce stayed where he was in politics. At the time, slavery was a booming industry in England. A few years later, Wilberforce entered the movement to end slavery, and though it took 20 years, eventually his anti-slavery bill passed, and slavery was outlawed. The despicable industry fell.

It was pivotal for freedom because Wilberforce tried to fly. But what if he hadn’t?

“There is freedom waiting for you, on the breezes of the sky,” writes the poet.

What is waiting for you on the breezes of the sky? It may not be a freedom movement, may not be a movement at all, but there is something for you.

Taking care of a sick relative. Training your family spiritually. Quitting that job that doesn’t fit you anymore. Starting an initiative in your community. Repairing a broken relationship.

You know what it is. What if you fly?

Flying doesn’t come easy because there are obstacles in the way. Maybe it is:

Fear of Failure
which blocks your way forward. You are hesitant because if you fail, what would people say? If success isn’t guaranteed, you don’t want to try. There are unknowns, uncertainties, things unpredictable. You don’t want to be known for failing.

Present Momentum
which keeps you moving on the same path. Leaving the current way would take disruption and extra energy. An object remains on its current trajectory unless acted upon by an outside force. The current routine is comfortable, after all.

Other People’s Expectations
which drive you toward pleasing and seeking approval by the choices you make. You obey other people’s wishes, their plans for your life. You learned where your place was, and you willingly oblige to keep the peace. Disappointing people would be worse than death.

Disidentification
which pushes you away from certain people whose qualities or traits are undesirable. You steer clear—far and wide—of them but as you do, you lose a part of yourself. You don’t want to be like them in their raging anger, for example, so you deny any hint of anger, even the righteous kind that defends truth.

Limiting Beliefs
which restrain you by their power. These beliefs are false or semi-false beliefs that keep you from reaching your potential or being free or exercising your own power. They are by nature false, but their presence and reach are unknown unless by eye-opening revelation or honest confrontation.

So, what is keeping you from flying? What is keeping you from trying? This may be your pivotal moment. And a pivotal moment for those you will free.

“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask, ‘What if I fall?’
Oh but my darling
What if you fly?”

My friend, I wish for you to fly.