Category Archives: Freedom

Restoring Freedom

Posted on by

 

Anyone who really knows me, knows that I love to hike. If I can’t be hiking in a state park, I take walks down the country roads near my home in rural Sheridan. Today was a perfect day for a walk down to the turkey farm with the sun shining brightly and a light, cool breeze. The wild flowers and the grasses are tall along the edge of the roadway and I couldn’t help but touch the tops of them with my hand as I strolled along. What freedom I have that I don’t often ponder enough to appreciate.

My heart aches for those who have had their freedom stolen from them. I have been deluded into thinking that slavery was abolished over a century ago but that thinking was wrong. Today it is estimated that world wide at least 27 million people are held in slavery. This is more than at the height of the slave trade in the 1800’s prior to the Emancipation Proclamation. We don’t tend to call it slavery anymore but name this despicable practice “Human Trafficking”. It is slavery just the same. Much of it is sex trafficking and forced labor. A large portion of its victims are children. These children are held against their will and are used as commodities to profit their captors. The average age of children held in sex trafficking is 12-14 but some are younger than 5. Their stories are heartbreaking.

Last evening the Sheridan Reader’s Club invited the community to the library for a discussion of the book, “Ruby”, a modern day story of human trafficking. It is a fictional work set in the small town in Liberty, Texas but is based on situations experienced personally by the author.  Life in Liberty was the antithesis of freedom for Ruby. As a child she was trafficked by people she should have been able to trust and as an adult she struggled to keep her sanity while memories haunted her. This book destroys the presumption that human trafficking is a problem somewhere else in the world. It is in our own backyard.

During our discussion last evening, a presentation was given by local resident, Clair Sample on her experience working with trafficked girls in India. She made a statement that many of the girls rescued had been housed by their captors in rooms no bigger than one of our closets. They would only be out of this containment to be forced to have sex with sometimes more than 20 men a day. Only around 1% of those trafficked are ever rescued. The average lifespan of these victims is 34 years old. Most die from homicide.

The statistics are dismal. What can one person do to make an impact in such an enormous world-wide problem? Mother Teresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world but I can cast a stone across the waters and create ripples.” She certainly created a lot of ripples in her lifetime and so can we. Indiana has a task force called IPATH, Indiana Protection for Abused and Trafficked Humans. Their focus is on education to create awareness so trafficked individuals can be recognized and rescued. They also have a curriculum for middle and high school students to help them avoid being vulnerable to trafficking themselves. Later this summer and next fall, we will be utilizing the expertise of the IPATH facilitators to educate the Sheridan community and students about human trafficking. This was developed through the Attorney General’s office and is free to anyone requesting this educational service.

Freedom is a precious gift that can easily be taken away. I enjoy my freedom while others are held captive. To live comfortably and do nothing is not an option. A prolific writer and holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, spoke of the perils of inaction. “Indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor—never the victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten. The political prisoner in his cell, the hungry children, the homeless refugees—not to respond to their plight, not to relieve their solitude by offering them a spark of hope, is to exile them from human memory. And in denying their humanity, we betray our own.”

The first step in solving Human Trafficking is the recognition of its existence. The freedom to walk in the sunshine, to touch flowers growing along the roadside, to feel the cool breeze, should not be a privilege enjoyed by some but denied to millions. Once I realized that slavery is more prolific now than ever, I feel compelled to become a modern day abolitionist. As those who have come before me, I can cast a stone to create ripples in the water and be the spark of hope for the captives. One person joined together with other caring souls can make a difference if only we choose to take that first step.

 

 

Be Strong and Courageous

Posted on by

imageAs the Independence Day week-end festivities are coming to an end, I am reminded of what it really took to get us where we are today. The old saying “Freedom is never free” is so true. But most of us have never had to fight for our freedom. Do we really understand how strong and courageous the original patriots had to be back in 1776? Their participation in the revolution was treasonous to the British crown. They risked everything for our freedom. If needed, could we, would we do the same? Do we have what it takes to keep our freedom?

Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, their leader, Joshua faced a similar question. He was commanded by God to be strong and courageous. God said this not once but three times to Joshua. Was Joshua feeling a little unsure of himself at that moment? We don’t know since the Bible doesn’t really tell us but I would imagine he was. Just think about his situation. He had just lost Moses, his mentor of 40 years. He was leading a people not known for their obedience to rules and the company of Israelites who wandered in the desert was huge. A census had been recorded in the Book of Numbers that totalled 601,730 men over 20 years old or more who were able to serve in the army of Israel. This didn’t even count the very young, the very old and any of the females. Joshua’s task would have been like moving the city of Indianapolis over the Jordan River.  How was he to manage them all? God gave him three promises to hold on to each time he commanded him to be strong and courageous.

He first told him, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” In other words, “You, Joshua, are the man for the job.” He was a born leader, a great military tactician. God was telling Joshua that He was going to carry out His promise through him.

Next God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Be careful to follow and obey the law my servant Moses gave to you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” God promised him success in the task set before him if he would follow His word. He told him to “…meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Finally God said, ” Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God saved the best for last. No matter what, He promised, “I will be with you.”

Fear and discouragement can be mighty deterrents to accomplishing the small as well as the big tasks in life. We may never be asked to risk everything for a cause such as our forefathers almost 240 years ago. However, I believe that we all are given gifts and talents to use for the glory of God. How we choose to use these attributes is up to us. We can bury them in the ground in fear, we can use them in negative or harmful ways or we can use them to help our fellow-man and promote God’s Kingdom here on earth. Stepping out from fear in the little things by showing love and care to those around us prepares us for the bigger tasks God may set before us in the future.

So look to the example of Joshua when a task that seems too big to handle looms before you. Know that you are gifted. Follow God’s Word. Step beyond fear and discouragement. You will be successful. The Lord is with you wherever you go. This is His promise. Be strong and courageous. He is walking beside you and His Spirit resides in you always and forever.

The Price of Freedom

Posted on by

imageThe 1st Amendment to our Constitution has been on my mind the last few days.  So much controversy has stirred people’s emotions regarding RFRA, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.  I’m not sure why the US Congress in the 90’s and now the Indiana Legislature felt it necessary to add this law to the books.  It really is a restatement of part of the 1st Amendment.  It allows for the free exercise of religion.  But the 1st Amendment is this and so much more.  It speaks not just of freedom of religion, but freedom of speech, the press, assembly and the ability to file grievances if those freedoms are infringed upon. It also states that the government should not establish a religion as had been done in Europe at the time of its writing.

The 1st Amendment and RFRA are very broad and not specific as to their meaning. The interpretation of the law is in the hands of the judicial branch of our government. The 1st Amendment has been scrutinized over the years and used as a measuring stick in many cases.  There is no limit placed on the freedoms mentioned in the language of this amendment.  Our justices decide the limit of its use.  By limit, I mean, how far does one freedom extend until it infringes on another person’s freedom?  Does it allow one person in their exercise of freedom to discriminate against another person?  It has unfortunately allowed this in the past in regard to the abuse of minority races and cultures.  Only when other laws were enacted like the Civil Rights Act in the 1960’s to protect these groups, was the 1st Amendment “reined in” so to speak. 

The freedoms we enjoy in our constitution are a double-edged sword.  We are free to express ourselves like no other nation.  I, for one, am thankful to be born in America.  I feel sure that I would not be allowed to pursue the education and career that I have in a great number of nations due to suppression of women there.  The very pages of this blog would be censored in a large part of our world. We are blessed by this freedom.

However, this very freedom also allows for people to express themselves in vile and hateful ways.  The Internet, as wonderful a tool that it is, can be a forum for this kind of speech.  I am appalled at times by the language that is used by people on both sides of an issue.  People will say things on social media that I don’t believe they would ever say face to face.  The Internet also allows for the promotion of child pornography and human trafficing.  My trust in humanity was totally destroyed when I became aware of websites that offer children for sex during sporting events such as the Super Bowl.  This happens every year no matter where these events are held.

So my point in all this is that our 1st Amendment is precious and we don’t want to ever lose it but it comes with a price. The price of freedom is the chance for the abuse of it.  How do we combat this?  We rein it in with other laws that protect minorities and children, laws that don’t allow for discrimination disguised as freedom. We must be very careful not to criticize the 1st Amendment and its counterpart, RFRA, too much or we may lose the freedoms they allow.  However, we must be proactive in legislation to protect those who demand and need protection from the abuse of that very freedom.

Gifted Hands

Posted on by

imageWednesday evening I had the privilege of accompanying my dad to hear Dr. Ben Carson speak at an event in downtown Indianapolis supporting Man in the Mirror ministries.  If you haven’t heard of Dr. Ben, you might remember the movie produced several years ago entitled “Gifted Hands.”  It detailed his life from poverty to becoming a world-famous pediatric neurosurgeon. He was the first to successfully perform the separation of Siamese twins conjoined at their heads. Before his speech, I actually had the chance to speak briefly with him and shake his hand. What an honor.

Dr. Ben Carson is a soft-spoken man with a powerful message. If I were to put his message into one word or phrase, it would be “self-responsibility.”  Really I should re-word this “personal responsibility” because the kind of responsible caring he proposes is not just for yourself but also for others. He encourages individuals to take ownership of their actions, focus on opportunities not roadblocks and not accept the role of a victim. He suggests that we all must take the responsibility to offer ladders to those who are downtrodden, helping them step out of poverty-not just physical poverty, but poverty of the mind and the spirit also.  He started out very poor himself but didn’t accept that he was going to stay there.  Education was his way out of the projects in Detroit.  But he had to choose to take that path.  If he had followed his peers, by his own admission, he would not have made it out.

Dr. Ben credits his mother for much of his success. She was always his encourager.  As a single mom, she worked 3 jobs to support he and his brother and did not accept being a victim herself. She wanted her boys to have the opportunity for a better life. She observed that those who accepted welfare never got off of it so she chose another way so they would not become dependant on hand outs.  She found creative ways to stretch her dollars as far as she could.  Reading was of utmost importance in their household. The boys had to read 2 books a week from the library and give her book reports in writing. Little did the boys know then but she didn’t even know how to read herself. Nevertheless, she instilled a love of books and learning in them that made all the difference.

As a boy of 8 years old, Ben decided he wanted to become a doctor but the road was not easy.  He was nearly derailed several times. His biggest hurdle was himself. As a teenager, he was plagued with an uncontrollable anger. It wasn’t until he nearly stabbed another person that he came to his senses.  He discovered the Proverbs in the Bible and started reading and absorbing their lessons. With prayer and the wisdom gained from this study, he was able to overcome his anger and avoid following the same destructive path as many other young black men that were his peers. His life is a testament to God’s power to change a life in a willing person. He has become a gifted neurosurgeon who has helped thousands of children in his career. He is a man after God’s own heart-a modern day David.

In his final words to the audience, Dr. Ben asked that the next time we sing the Star Spangled Banner, we ponder the last stanza.  We live in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”  Many in past generations gave their lives to give us our freedom.  He challenged us all by asking, “What will WE do for future generations to ensure their freedom?”  To be free and to remain free, we must be brave as our forefathers were brave, willing to give our very lives to maintain this precious privilege called freedom.

A Thanksgiving Reflection on Freedom

Posted on by

imageThe meal is over. The washing of the “good” dishes is complete. And the post-turkey somnolence has hit. Various family members have found couches on which to recline. I love the tradition of Thanksgiving.  What a blessing to pause for one day to be thankful, to be grateful not just for the “things” of life but the people, past and present, who have made a positive impact on me.  It’s an excuse to slow down enough to sit with each other awhile and enjoy our favorite Thanksgiving comfort foods together.  At our house this means mashed potatoes, candied yams, cornmeal dressing, green bean casserole, corn pudding, apple salad with marshmallows and rhubarb/strawberry pie.  Pumpkin pie was substituted this year by Spiced Pumpkin Latte Cheesecake. Decadent indeed!   And of course, one must not forget turkey. 

But I have to say that I’m not much of a fan of the turkey. Don’t get me wrong. I love to eat turkey but there’s something about the process of cooking the turkey that is tedious.  The instructions on the turkey always say to thaw it in the refrigerator several days before cooking. Even if I diligently follow these directions, it seems that the center of the turkey is always still frozen.  I want to know why the neck and other sundry parts are put into the center cavity.  No one I know ever uses these parts but they are a devil to get out.  Next year maybe I’ll buy a fresh turkey. I wouldn’t have an issue with thawing it and what to do with the  “extra parts”.

We have a turkey farm just down the road from our house but they don’t sell directly to the consumer.  I often walk by the facility and see all the turkeys looking out at me.  Poor things!  At least they’re not in cages.  They can mill around among hundreds of their friends. This is all they have ever known. I don’t believe they are treated cruelly but they have never really tasted freedom. Most of us, if asked, would probably agree that it would be better for the birds to be “free range” rather than confined.

The question of whether it is better for animals to be confined or free was surprisingly discussed at length in the book, “The Life of Pi.”  The movie never really attended to this but in a chapter of the book, the main character, Pi, recalled his experience of being part of a family who owned a zoo.  He recognized that most people thought it was cruel to confine an animal.  But he had a different view.  The “cage” provided the animals with safety. As long as they had room to roam in their enclosure, they would make this area their “territory.”  The cage provided protection from predators.  Animals in the wild live with constant threats from predators but those in zoos live comfortably without this fear.

When I first read this, I saw it as a thought provoking view on the topic. The animals in the zoo are essentially given “caged comfort.”  They have no need to worry about their next meal or whether they will be the next meal for a predator.  Freedom is traded for comfort.  The animals have no choice in the matter but as a society, are we not guilty of giving up our own freedoms for comfort?  I see us relinquishing more and more of our individual freedoms to be taken care of by our government. Instead of taking personal responsibility for our problems, we seek government solutions.  I would be the first to agree that government has a purpose.  Rules must be set up to maintain a civil society.  However, we now expect much more than this.  Freedom is risky.  We must depend on individuals to step up to help the poor, feed the hungry and care for the orphans. Unfortunately many individuals have stepped back and expect that our taxes will take care of these people.  By doing this we distance ourselves from the needy and only widen the gap between rich and poor.  There are still groups within my own community that reach out to the needy taking personal responsibility for their well being.  We have Lunch Club at my church that serves meals to the children of Sheridan five days a week all during the summer and on holiday breaks from school.  We know that government food stamps and welfare can’t provide what is really needed.  The love and understanding shared when one person reaches out to help another person is lost when we depend on government to take care of our poor. 

My prayer on this Thanksgiving is that we as Americans truly recognize and cherish the freedoms we have been given.  Many individuals over the decades have died to preserve this freedom for us.  We must not take it for granted or give it away easily.  We must freely take a stand to care for each other, not depend on our government to do it for us.