Sunday, March 20, 2011

Free!

Free--a short, funny-looking little foundation of a word to carry such a sky-scraper of meaning.
It means I can leave my house at night, look up without fear of walls or guns or bombarding voices, and smile under Orion's feet. I can openly attend church, call a meeting in my home, stand in the park and give a speech, walk into the courthouse with my grandchildren and show them the place where the jury sits, and the box for open witness. I write these words in my living room, then post them fearlessly to be read by a woman in Australia and a man in Scandinavia and lots of folks in the USA. Nobody comes knocking with a warrant.
Because I'm free.

But even if...tomorrow should bring those dreaded chains I've never felt around my feet, if the world should crash around me with bullhorns spouting insane, obnoxious propaganda and threats that muffle all my songs, I would still be free.
For I carry inside a different freedom--freedom from fear and faith for the future.  I do not suffer from condemnation by the One who matters. I've been forgiven. I'm loved by the Maker of the universe.
So I'm really free.

Someday I will stand up there just next to the bold Orion--immortal, invulnerable--free!

18 comments:

b+ (Retire In Style Blog) said...

This is so beautifully said...freedom is not true unless you hold it in your heart!

b

http://www.retireinstyleblog.com

Elizabeth said...

Clear simple message that covers it all: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual freedom. Thank you,

Elizabeth

Old Egg said...

Freedom to stand by Orion the mighty hunter! Who knows? Perhaps in years to come there will be amazement to see a beautiful new star appear close to him that will give us hope that such things are possible.

Hazel said...

This is a great picture of freedom so well described.

Catherine Denton said...

Such a gorgeous reminder of what we have and that I shouldn't take it for granted. Thank you!
My Blog

Cynthia M said...

Wow..I love the part about free being such a small word that has so many levels of freedom...well shared :)

erer said...

I love your idea of bring free. Such a positive outlook! I congratulate you for it! Dropping by from SS :)

Happy Monday!

Linda May said...

G'Day, that woman in Australia just read your words and agrees because she loves and shares the choice of freedom and sees its privilege too.

Jae Rose said...

Freedom inside and out..it is sometimes bewildering imagining how it would be to live in a state of oppression (one that isn't self-imposed at least)..the beauty is having the choice..having that conviction..wonderfully stated..Jae

Altonian said...

This is a great piece of writing Lilibeth. A copy of this should be sent to every half-baked politician, everywhere, but I'll bet they still wouldn't understand what you are saying. 10 points!

Unknown said...

Precious testimony of your faith. Here's my FREE piece:
http://www.kimnelsonwrites.com/2011/01/31/you-me-and-fibonacci/

Meryl said...

Really nice post! I love how you interplay space, Orion's belt with freedom to soar!

Lisa said...

Very nice take on freedom. Enjoyed the read.

Anonymous said...

You wrote the words that didn't form in my head, but are felt in my heart. I, too, know the freedom of which you write and the One who gave it to me. Excellent. ~Paula

aftergrace said...

Thank God, we are indeed free.

Carina said...

I love it! So very true, and I echo all those sentiments.

Madeleine Begun Kane said...

A wonderful tribute to freedom! And I love the phrase "carry such a sky-scraper of meaning."

Nanka said...

Plenty of freedom and why not? It is our privilege!!
Well expressed and explained beautifully!!