Let Freedom Ring
These words from the “I Have a Dream” speech by Rev. Dr. M.L. King in 1962 are truly remarkable and fitting for these days at the top of July. The people of the Virgin Islands of the United States join with U.S. citizens on the mainland and around the world to celebrate our national independence (July 4, 1776).
It is noteworthy that emancipation is also celebrated in these islands 24 hours before the independence celebrations (July 3, 1848). Moravians in the V.I. and around the world also commemorate the martyrdom of John Hus who was a Catholic priest who fought for reform in his country and the church. He was burnt at the stake on his 44th or 45th birthday on July 6, 1415.
All of the aforementioned people/groups who fought for freedom and liberty can be considered as freedom fighters. Although the struggle in its many facets still continues, we are beneficiaries of their sacrifices…their blood, sweat and tears. We therefore ought to lead lives that reflect our appreciation for their sacrifices.
I cannot help but remember the tears, sweat, and blood of the greatest freedom fighter/Liberator of all time. He gave His all, once and for all, so that all who come to Him in faith can be truly free. Although we live in a land of liberty, many are still enslaved to substances, ideologies, habits and the like. Our so-called freedom has to a great extent degenerated into license. Many who are in rebellion against God, for example, do so in the name of freedom. True freedom, emancipation, liberation will only be found, not in religion, politics or economics, but in a relationship with Jesus the Christ.
Abby Anderson sings,
“Our fathers’ God, to thee
Author of liberty
To thee we sing
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King
Let freedom ring
Great God, our King
From sea to shining sea
Let freedom ring
Beloved! May freedom truly ring in your life, your home, your family and our country as we yield our lives to the Liberator Jesus the Christ! “For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
From: Your servant Walton Frederick, a.k.a. Freddy
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