249 years ago, our forefathers fought for liberty—declaring independence from tyranny and stepping into the unknown, trusting that a better way was possible.

In my stories, the characters of Willow Creek face their own battles for freedom—not with muskets or marching orders, but in the quiet wars of the heart. They wrestle with grief, guilt, pride, fear, and failure. But true freedom comes not when they “win,” but when they surrender—to grace, to redemption, to the One who sets captives free.

Their independence begins the moment they submit to God and begin living for Jesus.

That’s true for me, too.

I used to think I was doing everything “right.” I was successful. But I wasn’t at peace. I wasn’t satisfied with the journey. I kept pushing forward—my goals, my vision, my plan. And I kept banging my head against the wall of my own stubbornness.

Until I stopped. Until I asked for help hearing Him. Until I started practicing Psalm 46:10:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

I learned to sit. Watch. Listen.

And God—faithful, patient, kind—granted me sight and wisdom. I began to see His hand in my life in ways I had missed before. I began to understand things about life, nature, and people I had longed to grasp for years. And I saw doors open that had been there all along—just waiting for me to let Him lead.

Independence? It’s not just a date on the calendar.

It’s a daily decision. A faith walk. A choice to remain free from the things that chain us to this world.

True freedom isn’t doing whatever we want—it’s walking in obedience to the One who gave everything so we could live free.

Happy Independence Day, friends. May we never take freedom—spiritual or civil—for granted.

Ready for a story of freedom, forgiveness, and fresh starts? Meet the folks of Willow Creek.

Les Dupuy Books