Unclip the Chain and Run

When I was a kid, we used to have a bird dog.

He was kept on a long cable with a chain attached to it, allowing him to run back and forth while still being firmly secured. I would go outside and play with him, pet him, and sneak him table scraps or treats. But no matter what, he was always attached to that chain.

Sometimes, while I was petting him, I would quietly unclip the chain so he was no longer attached. Then I would walk back toward the house and watch to see what he would do.

The amazing thing was, even though he was free, he would stay within the same boundaries the chain had always allowed. He didn’t realize he wasn’t attached anymore.

I would have to go back, offer him treats, and slowly lead him out. He would take a step, then stop. You could almost see him expecting the chain to pull him back. He might make it three or four steps past his old stopping point before he finally sensed his freedom.

And then, what do you think he did?

You could see the realization hit him.

And then — BOOM — he was gone, running at full speed.

Now, you may be asking, “Okay, what does this have to do with anything?”

Here’s the question: What parts of your life still feel like they are attached to a chain that is holding you back?

Take a deep look at that chain. Look closely and see if there is a name written on it.

Maybe it says fear.

Maybe it says doubt.

Maybe it says worry.

Maybe it says insecurity.

But where do those things come from?

They come from a lie.

A lie you were told. A lie you were made to feel. A lie you started to believe about yourself, about God, or about others.

Those false beliefs begin to shape the rest of your life. They define your worldview, your perspective, and even the boundaries you think you have to live within.

But here is the powerful truth: many of those chains are not really attached anymore.

When you begin to recognize those lies for what they are, and when you discover your true identity apart from fear, doubt, worry, your job, your title, or your role, something begins to change.

The truth of who you were created to be is what unclips the chain.

To quote the most famous book in history:

“The truth will set you free.”

Once you realize you are free to become the person you were created to be, and once you begin living from that identity every day, the world starts to brighten. Purpose becomes real. Hope becomes stronger. Freedom becomes possible.

So look at the chain.

Name the lie.

Believe the truth.

Then unclip that chain and run.

Because you are free.