The power or right to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. This is one of the many definitions for the word FREEDOM.
Having lived my childhood under the regime of Saddam Hussein, I craved nothing but to get a glimpse of the freedom people around the world enjoyed. I almost lost my life pursuing it. And today…I can shamefully admit that every once in awhile I take that freedom that I worked so hard for, for granted. As I grow accustomed to this lifestyle and reap its benefits, at times, I fail to be grateful for my blessings and my opportunities. Instead, I get caught up in my first world problems, forgetting where I came from.
Most days, I try to keep myself grounded, I try to remind myself of what I lacked in childhood and what I yearned for the most. I also try to teach my girls the gift of gratitude. But let’s face it, life happens, problems arise, and I forget until I come across videos and articles that slap me back to reality and shift my perspective.
Recently, I watched a video discussing the new level of persecution Christians in China are facing as their government is forcing villagers to denounce their faith in Christ and declare their president as their savior. Refusing to do so results in no welfare benefits which includes medical assistance. They are asked to take down Crosses and images of Jesus and replacing them with the president’s portrait instead. What’s more valuable…faith or food? Faith or medicine? Faith or survival?
Freedom… such a heavy word, yet taken so lightly!
My heart is heavy as I read articles or watch videos of what Christians around the world, especially in China are struggling with today. I don’t know if I’m overwhelmed by guilt because I take my freedom for granted, or if I am overwhelmed by gratitude for living in a country where I have the luxury of practicing my faith, or maybe it’s a mixture of both.
Despite what problems you and I are facing today, let’s remember that our freedom goes beyond deciding between faith and survival!
