Thought Of The Day: Freedom

From Transformednow.com

As I write this, I am in Africa. I have just concluded a conference in Zimbabwe with religious leaders from a number of this continent’s nations. My interaction with them stirred up emotions that took me back to inauguration day.

While standing with two million other people listening to our new president Barak Obama give his speech, a flood of emotions swept over me. I felt joy for the accomplishment. I felt overwhelmed by the task he now faced; I felt fear for his safety, and I felt sorrow for all those who could not experience this moment.

In the midst of all these emotions there was also a feeling of anger. Its source was the age-old feeling of being a victim. Even witnessing the first African American president being installed did not allow me to escape the pain and abuse of the past. It was then, in the cold of one of the greatest days in American history that I determined to forgive my country. I realized I would always be and act like a victim until I forgave.

I forgave my country for slavery, for lynching, for segregation, for inadequate schools, for an inferior education, for substandard housing, for low paying jobs, for no health care, and for no respect. Tears came to my eyes and at the same time, I felt flooded with a new peace and joy; a peace and joy that comes when you release yourself from bitterness and unforgiveness. It was then that I embraced America with a burst of enthusiasm that even shook me up. That enthusiasm was the impetus that made me feel great; it is here that I belong.

Forgiveness is a simple act that demands a determined will. Forgiveness means that no longer can anyone be held responsible for my future. Unforgiveness and revenge fuel a victim-like attitude that will immobilize the best of intentions. It will keep those who hold onto it in a prison of excuses and unfulfilled destinies. That day, I decided to set myself free from the small, evil and selfish acts of others and to be free to live a life full of purpose.

At the conference in Zimbabwe, I had been asked how Africa could approach their brothers in America for assistance. As I searched for answers, I encountered a sense of anger and unforgiveness on my part toward Africa. I was surprised. I had been traveling to Africa on a regular basis for more than a decade; I love the motherland. However, I now realize that there was a pain in my life that had been birthed with the realization that I was sold by my forefathers into slavery. Yes, the one who bought me was white, but the one who sold me was black. I determined that before I would leave Zimbabwe, I would forgive Africa.

Neither America nor Africa asked for my forgiveness, but I decided my freedom from others could no longer wait on them or their actions. Freedom is mine because I forgave. How badly do you want your freedom? Who are you willing to forgive? Your freedom and your destiny are waiting on you.

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