Freedom

As this independence day comes to a close it is my prayer we have a better understanding of the true power of freedom. Yes, we're free to live as we want, believe in who we choose, and the freedom to speak whatsoever, but I believe we as a people have lost the most important part of freedom. Responsibility. As a people, we have a responsibility to use our freedom in such a way that it respects those around us, and to treat them as the human being they are created to be. Furthermore, I believe we as a people have forgotten that freedom came at a great cost. It cost our native brothers and sisters their right to live on the very land of their ancestors, it has cost our black brothers and sisters without the ability to live free from the continual trauma of racism, and that it cost the many lives of men and women who have died on battlefields so that we have the liberties of this very freedom. We must remember Freedom isn't just about saying whatever you want, it about taking into account that what I say will have a lasting impact on those around me, freedom isn't just about practicing and living in your faith, it about truly walking the talk of your faith so that people around you are treated with love and respect even when they don't believe as you do. Freedom also isn't about using your prejudices to get your point across because you don't agree with how others choose to live. The abuse of freedom has a generational bruise that needs to be healed so that all people can live in their freedom without being treated with a slavery mentality. If chains are truly broken then all the ugliness of this country will finally be cast away. We have a responsibility to use this freedom(that wasn't free) to change the world for the next generation so that they will celebrate their freedom with a responsibility that allows others to live in their freedom the same way.