HINDSIGHT 20 20: OPTIMIZING FREEDOM

Enclosed around parental safeguard my personhood was exposed to freedom bound by subjection to authorities which my mind never questioned since I acknowledged such as the ideal… Then my sense of freedom was gripped with skepticism when attacked by liberation-rationality issues human intellect could not fathom in my freshman year as a struggling college activist merging with peers in finding answers to “Why does freedom have strings attached to it?” Exacerbating my angst were frustrations in failing to assert my arguments about maximizing freedom under the umbrella of security since I felt miserable when mocked about my being “subservient to parents” and “too dependent on overprotective guardians.” I then need to be liberated from the anguish of being confronted with “Are you really absolutely free when you are controlled? ----- ----- ----- ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- God saw my need for genuine and authentic freedom He alone can grant… Through a Bible study, I was introduced to Him as the Saviour and Lord Who is the “way, the truth, and the life” as well as the bondage breaker against sin-imprisonment, selfishness-dominion, and fear-captivity. Thus, in Jesus Christ, I enjoy complete freedom. Now, I can declare: Free to enjoy life, my heart exudes radiant bliss Defying gloom, expressing hope Indeed building-up others. Midst freedom against selfishness My hands gesture out love Triumphant with grace and mercy along kindness at work. Freely confessing arrogance while admitting apathetic blight My soul seeks the Almighty in supplication Begging for His compassionate aid as I utter, “Help me to reach-out willingly.” Striving toward freedom* optimization, my faith exercises ministerial duties Overcoming doubts and unbelief… subduing hypocrisy, vanquishing deceit Testifying, “Truth sets us free.” Grateful to God, I am freely fulfilling my tasks as an orphanage social worker allowing children in our care to delight in the Lord's liberating love, under the control of the Holy Spirit, bound by the cords of accountable responsibility. *John 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Galatians 5:1 - Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. November 25, 2024 2nd place, "Hindsight 20 20" Poetry Writing Contest Sponsored by Crystol Woods; judged on 11/29/2024