As a kid I took freedom for granted.
In middle class, white, small town America, of course we were free. It wasn’t even a question.
Less than 2 decades removed from WWII and well into 50’s-60’s struggle for civil rights, I grew up in an isolated little bubble in which freedom was as obvious as air.
The stuff we learned in civics class, freedom of speech and press and all the rest – what’s the big deal? We’re all free, right?
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I’ve learned that taking freedom for granted is a bias. Biases cause blind spots. In this particular blind spot I missed some pretty important markers.
I didn’t consider the freedom of others. When you take something for granted, you don’t realize it’s not universal. I didn’t understand how rare and precious freedom really is.
Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” My freedom is inextricably linked to the freedom of others. While I lived in my tiny bubble, most of the world, and much of my own country, still lived in chains.
I didn’t consider the source of freedom. Like so many things taken for granted, I thought freedom just happened. I didn’t understand that my worldly, political freedom was secured by sacrifice. My dad, my uncle, my brother, and many, many more gave a lot so I could be free.
Much later, I’d learn that authentic freedom, the freedom that matters, was secured by Jesus’ sacrifice.
I didn’t consider my responsibility. In my bubble, what I heard about freedom was mostly what I got out of the deal. I missed President Kennedy’s challenge, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”
I’ve learned that freedom isn’t about privileges and rights at all. It’s about understanding the rare gift and the sacrifice required to secure it. And it’s about resolving never to take the gift or the sacrifice for granted.
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Freedom means understanding that I’m not truly free until everyone is free. It’s having the gifts and resources to do something about it.
It’s asking Jesus to show me how.
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We’re about to begin an epic COLORADO MOUNTAIN TOUR. Our team will climb 21,000 ft over four beautiful passes around the Arkansas River Valley. If you want to help us bring hope and freedom to the kids at the Home of Hope, we would appreciate your support.