Reflections on Fear, Freedom, and Compassion
The power to preserve freedom does not come out of hateful rhetoric, but out of love and fostering kindness.
The Foundation of Freedom
My soul is troubled and my heart aches for those who have lost their lives. Lives lost because of the determination of a few to destroy our freedoms. Twenty-four years ago on September 11, we witnessed a demonstration of hate that will not soon be forgotten, It was a dramatic attempt to destroy the peace and freedom built by those who have gone before us.
The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Declaration of Independence
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are what we all crave. The need for the human soul to have power over their own lives led to the American Revolution. It is what drives us to work through and beyond the devastating events that would steal our freedom.
A Destructive Force
The commotion in the world around us is intensifying to the point that it is hard, if not impossible, not to get sucked into the negativity. There are voices screaming on every side. People on both sides of the political and moral debate loudly. They each hatefully accuse each other of being at the root of the nation’s troubles. Both sides are up in arms about the same troubles. Both quote supposed authentic resources stating how the opposing side is to blame.
I see violent attacks on individuals, in an attempt to silence voices they don’t agree with and cries for freedom to govern and take care of ourselves, and screams of injustices because of race. In the quiet recesses of society, I see the individuals who are hurting because of mental anguish that it intensified by the shut down and closing in of the government-induced restrictions.
It is difficult not to get sucked into the cynicism that is running rampant on social media and even apparent in our much-restricted public interactions.
A Choice
But I also see the efforts for kindness and calls for prayer.
Part of me wants to scream back at those who try to force everyone to think like they do. Part of me wants yell at those that riot about the injustices of a small few while ignoring the injustices that happen in every walk of life.
But the other part of me aches for those who are hurting. I want to be caring and kind. I want to love unconditionally and be part of the good. And so the war in me rages—which of the voices do I listen to?
I don’t like the idea that the government can should save us all—like we are too stupid and inept to take care of ourselves. I don’t like that civility and compassion are rapidly deteriorating in our society. It scares me. And then I realize that that is the problem: Fear.
It is fear that makes people act irrationally and fear that pits people against each other. Fear destroys peace of mind and trust in God. It is fear that engenders hate. And hate clouds our ability to see the real solutions to the problems that plague us.
In 2 Timothy 2:7 we are reminded, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
The power to preserve freedom does not come out of hateful rhetoric, but out of love and fostering kindness. Listening with open hearts and minds even when we can’t come to an agreement must prevail. Contention destroys life and liberty. Compassion for each other ensures the opportunity to pursue happiness for all. Regardless of differing opinions on what happiness looks like, we all deserve that freedom.
May we all rededicate ourselves to standing up for the freedom to speak, worship, and work according to the dictates of our own conscience.
