I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land. --Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was a Black woman who devoted her life to helping slaves escape their bondage. In her youth, she had been hit on the head so she suffered dizzy spells for the rest of her life. In spite of this, and at great risk to her own life, she guided many slaves on the Underground Railroad to freedom.
Freedom from slavery is different today but just as necessary. It may mean freedom from being a slave to what others think of us, freedom from eating more than is healthy for us, freedom from jealousy, and freedom from trying to force others to do what we want them to do.
We are free to be the very best persons we can be. Our own freedom can be even more fulfilling when we welcome others enthusiastically into that land of freedom by allowing them the room to be themselves without fear of judgment. In this way, by freeing ourselves, we free one another.
How can I free myself today?
Nic said
Jul 24, 2005
Ah, that is really good. I like it when I can envision the speaker, and understand what led to the action or idea.
I remember in my first year, asking about a dozen people what freedom meant to them. Everyone of them gave me equally relevant and inspired explanations. No one agreed on one explanation and I was suprised to see people so willing to defend their definitions, when presented with anothers view.
It is such a special, personal thing... Our sense of freedom. One of those things that seems to hinge on its opposite. I always feel free out on the road, just me and the mechanical horse, going nowhere in particular, but I doubt I would feel so free if I didn't have a home to return to.
I love Harriet's description of what happened when she got there....reminds me of Janis's "nothing left to lose".
Thanks Phil.
nancyjo59 said
Jul 27, 2005
enlighting story
freedom: who would of believed 3 days sober and i would feel free.cant wait to see what is in store for me. looking forward to tomorrow instead of dreading it.but smart enough to take it one day at a time
Harriet Tubman was a Black woman who devoted her life to helping slaves escape their bondage. In her youth, she had been hit on the head so she suffered dizzy spells for the rest of her life. In spite of this, and at great risk to her own life, she guided many slaves on the Underground Railroad to freedom.
Freedom from slavery is different today but just as necessary. It may mean freedom from being a slave to what others think of us, freedom from eating more than is healthy for us, freedom from jealousy, and freedom from trying to force others to do what we want them to do.
We are free to be the very best persons we can be. Our own freedom can be even more fulfilling when we welcome others enthusiastically into that land of freedom by allowing them the room to be themselves without fear of judgment. In this way, by freeing ourselves, we free one another.
How can I free myself today?
Ah, that is really good. I like it when I can envision the speaker, and understand what led to the action or idea.
I remember in my first year, asking about a dozen people what freedom meant to them. Everyone of them gave me equally relevant and inspired explanations. No one agreed on one explanation and I was suprised to see people so willing to defend their definitions, when presented with anothers view.
It is such a special, personal thing... Our sense of freedom. One of those things that seems to hinge on its opposite. I always feel free out on the road, just me and the mechanical horse, going nowhere in particular, but I doubt I would feel so free if I didn't have a home to return to.
I love Harriet's description of what happened when she got there....reminds me of Janis's "nothing left to lose".
Thanks Phil.
freedom: who would of believed 3 days sober and i would feel free.cant wait to see what is in store for me. looking forward to tomorrow instead of dreading it.but smart enough to take it one day at a time
thanks for the post
nancy jo