Freedom Is More Than a Word

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary this 4th of July, I find myself reflecting on the word freedom.

For many people, freedom is something we celebrate with fireworks, flags, family gatherings, and a well-deserved day off. But freedom is much more than a national holiday. Freedom is one of the greatest gifts we can ever receive — and one of the greatest responsibilities we can ever carry.

I was born in America, and although I have lived in the UK for many years, I have never lost my gratitude for the country that gave me a chance. America is not perfect. No nation is. But the idea of America — that ordinary people can rise, dream, build, overcome, and create a better future — has shaped my life in ways I will never forget.

I did not grow up with privilege. I lost my father at a young age, lost my mother when I was eight, lived in foster homes and an orphanage, ran away, and spent part of my teenage years homeless. But somewhere along the way, I learned that your past does not have to dictate your future.

That is one of the great promises of freedom.

Freedom means you can choose a different path. Freedom means you can learn, grow, change, take responsibility, and build something better. Freedom means that no matter where you start, you do not have to stay there.

In my life, one of the people who helped me understand this was Art Williams, the founder of A.L. Williams, which later became Primerica.

I first met Art many years ago, and his friendship and mentorship have had a lasting impact on my life. This photo with Art and Angela from 1985 reminds me that some influences do not just affect a season of your life — they help shape your purpose.

Jeff Lestz with Art and Angela Williams, 1985

Art did far more than build a company. He built a movement. He taught ordinary people to believe in themselves. He taught us that families deserved to understand money, protection, and financial principles. He taught us that middle-income families did not need to be ignored, confused, or left behind.

The message was simple but powerful: buy term and invest the difference.

But behind that message was something much bigger. It was about giving families hope. It was about helping people take control of their financial future. It was about teaching people that financial independence was possible if they learned the right principles and applied them consistently.

For me, Art Williams and Primerica taught lessons that went far beyond finance.

They taught me to dream bigger.

They taught me that belief matters.

They taught me that discipline beats excuses.

They taught me that leadership is about helping other people win.

They taught me that ordinary people, given the right opportunity and encouragement, can do extraordinary things.

They taught me that financial freedom is not just about money. It is about choices. It is about peace of mind. It is about protecting your family. It is about being able to say yes to the things that matter and no to the things that pull you away from your purpose.

That message eventually became part of the foundation of Genistar in the UK.

As we approach Genistar’s 20th anniversary in 2027, I cannot help but look back with gratitude. Much of what we have built here traces back to the principles I learned many years ago: help families, build people, create leaders, and give ordinary people a chance to do something extraordinary.

That, to me, is freedom in action.

Freedom is not just the right to do whatever we want. True freedom comes with responsibility. The responsibility to work hard. The responsibility to make wise decisions. The responsibility to serve others. The responsibility to use our lives to make a difference.

Financial independence is the same. It does not happen by accident. It is built through education, discipline, protection, saving, investing, and long-term thinking. It is built when people decide to stop drifting and start directing their lives.

This 4th of July, I am thankful for America. I am thankful for the opportunities I was given. I am thankful for the mentors who believed in me when I was still learning to believe in myself. I am thankful for Art Williams, Angela Williams, Primerica, and the principles that changed my life.

Most of all, I am thankful that freedom is not just something we celebrate once a year.

Freedom is something we can live.

Freedom is something we can protect.

Freedom is something we can pass on.

And when we help another family become more secure, more confident, and more in control of their future, we are doing more than helping them financially.

We are helping them experience a little more freedom.