In the several days, I have been made more aware of what it means to be living this life, the life of a follower of Jesus, the life in imitation of The Suffering Servant, the life of seeking justice, the life of bearing fruit, the life characterized by freedom and freeing. This is another poem; if you are “triggered,” “feel some type of way,” or (insert some other modern colloquialism here), please please please comment below and/or let me know somehow.
Is freedom being unbound from one’s chains?
Is freedom seeing the sun with new eyes?
Is freedom saying what you believe?
What is freedom? Is it being set free?
I long for the day I no longer fear shame.
Held captive by what I’ve done or might do.
All the ways I’ve missed the mark, rebelled, and fallen short.
I choose captivity rather than face the Judge in court.
Sentenced and imprisoned for what I’ve done.
Enslaved by names, titles, roles ascribed to me,
Plead guilty to hopped up charges and serving time.
There’s no end to the age-old rhyme.
The guards walk me bound in chains,
Paraded around for any and all to see.
Until one day, the day I had my first visit.
Vicarious life of freedom, this could be it.
They spoke of hope, grace, and love.
Presents I don’t deserve, so I refuse.
Talking about life on the outside, things I wish to see.
Talking and talking, just to get to know me.
Is freedom escaping oppressive regimes?
Is freedom having sufficient means?
Is freedom the opportunity to be seen and to see?
What is freedom? Is it being set free?
Visit after visit, I start to see it.
Hope for the end, dreams & desires for my future.
Longings, hope, and aspiration,
All consuming my concentration.
People start to notice that I’ve changed.
I smile again, tell jokes, read books, laugh even.
I stopped acting like those around me.
Myself is who I’ve chosen to be.
Mocked, ridiculed, and abused,
I’ve been torn down and broken.
Then, one day, my visitor told me what to do,
And, that’s how I met You.
Is freedom the ability to fail and learn?
Is freedom a chance to let your imagination run wild?
Is freedom lounging under the magnolia tree?
What is freedom? Is it being set free?
In the midst of pain and tribulation,
They told me I could find freedom.
Told me of ways that I could be released,
Even after my life has ceased.
Broken chains and no more walking in shame,
Set apart and disciplined, loved and betrothed.
What I previously dismissed, is exactly no what I want.
Presented to me at the very front.
I seek grace and redemption,
Through the Only One Who can and did do something so I could.
A sacrifice to right my wrongs,
Strung high and wide before the throngs.
Is freedom having your pick between two?
Is freedom picking your next date?
Is this all that freedom is meant to be?
What is freedom? Is it being set free?
Between who I was and who I am,
My choice is clear and easy.
I wasn’t released at random,
So, I’ll live my life in its predestined tandem.
Freedom to choose sin and obedience,
Love and hate, apathy and love.
Freedom to choose pain and surrender,
A path upright and slender.
Is freedom acknowledging the pain of others and stepping into it?
Is freedom humbling one’s self for the good of their enemies?
Is freedom costly or complimentary?
What is freedom? Is it being set free?
Freedom is the ability to approach God, blamelessly,
Because of His Son Jesus Christ.
A result of faith in and through Him,
Until we overflow past the brim. (Ephesians 3:12)
Freedom is emancipation from bondage,
By the Spirit of the Lord.
Broken chains and unveiled hearts,
A changed life of all parts. (II Corinthians 3:12-18)
Freedom is stepping out of decay’s bondage,
Away from the yokes of slavery, and
Into the identity and glory that is being God’s child,
The greatest result of us being reconciled. (Romans 8:21, Galatians 5:1, Romans 5:9-11)
Is freedom being unbound from one’s chains?
Is freedom escaping from oppressive regimes?
Is freedom laying by a cool sea?
What is freedom? Is it being set free?
