Freedom. This is a word that continues to ruminate in my heart and mind over the past few months. As we approach Memorial Day this is a theme that will be explored throughout the day as we fly our flags and decorate the graves of the fallen. We remember the men and women who gave all for our freedom. We remember their sacrifice and courage.
I must pause and reflect with deep curiosity due to the current state of our country. On this upcoming Memorial Day I explore the reality of our remembrance of the journey that led to these sacrifices. Have we forgotten why the battles were fought? Have we forgotten what it means to be free? Are we going to find ourselves fighting these same battles again in the near future? As a mother, I fear for the future of my children, especially my daughter!
Freedom from imposed Spiritual Abuse [Religion] by those who dogmatically hold their banners of Truth! I never imagined that in my lifetime I would be facing such attacks of demeaning and degrading proportions. What has happened to our society? Where did such hatred and need for power and control come from? With my limited understanding of economics, political systems, social systems, and all the components that make up a capitalistic society, I have sought to educate myself in order to make wise choices and decisions, especially in exercising my right to vote. I have defended and attempted to educate in regard to the beautiful story of the Gospel and the reality of Jesus ~ not this extreme religious movement toward turning our democracy into a theocracy that would move us back to the Law of the Old Testament ~ God forbid! At the end of the day, I simply surrender to God my lack of understanding and pray for wisdom.
My own personal journey toward freedom began when my heart was awakened to the reality of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ ~ Grace. Freedom in Christ. Coming to understand my identity, purpose, and meaning in Christ ~ to be fully alive in Christ changed my life and has been a journey of transformation! An adventure of discovering the wonder of life, love, mercy, relationship, connection, and shared humanity ~ we are one!
There is one truth that I know for sure and that is Love. Love is the litmus test of a transformed heart and life ~ being with grace and mercy. Love that leads us to serve each other with compassion. I am amazed by those who have taken the Gospel and attempted to impose their hatred in an attempt to feed and justify their voracious greed! Our commands under the New Covenant are simple ~ love one another, do not judge, and serve as Jesus served. Sacrificial love does not allow room for greed and self-interest. It does not allow for bigotry and exclusiveness.
One movie that has supported my challenge of understanding the world that we find ourselves consumed in is, I Am ~ http://www.iamthedoc.com/toms-profile/. Whatever your spiritual path or worldview might be this is a movie that is a must see! It affirmed in my heart what the scriptures have stated and also affirmed my spiritual experience of transformation. We are connected and with every decision we make, every word we speak, every thought we think, we change the world!
I have decided for me that I will continue to pray for wisdom. I will maintain my focus on developing a heart of compassion and love ~ empathy. I will celebrate with gratitude each moment that I am alive. I will find courage to make myself vulnerable and seek to tell my story, as I connect with those who offer me the privilege to know them, and I will return the gift by allowing myself to be known. I will speak to support those who have yet to find their voice.
As Gandhi so truly spoke, Be the change that you wish to see in the world! The power of one! Freedom comes when we let go of material gain and focus on the well-being of humanity, for in serving others we ourselves reap the true rewards of a life worth living. When loving with our whole heart, genuine compassion, authentic empathy, and true connection, we are finally afforded freedom at last.
