FREEEEEEEEDOM

FREEEEEEEEDOM


Thriving church. I saw it, there--
In the midst of Ireland,
In a village where you can feel
God, moving around the lanes,
Reaching out to the children of lost generations.

There is Freedom here. A Truth and Joy
only obtainable after centuries of stagnation.
There is laughter and song only afforded
to those who have paid the price.
A radiant boldness lives here in hearts.

"My pockets are empty, but my spirit is full,"
The beautiful woman said to me with a warm smile.
I could see the Truth behind her friendly dark eyes--
She was free. No, Freeeeeeeeee.
This woman knew of FREEDOM.

I see freedom in the eyes of the children there--
Their toothless grins, their contagious laughter.
Open and honest, pure, believing...
Ireland's future is in good hands.

I hear freedom in the cries of the mothers who dare
to shout with abandon in chorus to their God.
Centuries of wearing burdens have been lifted--
Their tears are tears of hope.

I sense freedom in the outstretched arms of men
who shake firmly--with clean hands, pure hearts.
God alone can clear a slate, make all things new,
set things aright in their universe.

This FREEDOM I have witnessed drives me to my knees--
Makes me yearn for FREEDOM where I live...
Makes me want every song of praise to become reality:
"I want to know you, to hear your voice, to see your face..."
God, I beg for FREEEEEEEEDOM for a lifetime!!!

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Galatians 5:1: "We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong. Do not change and go back into the slavery of the law."

(a poem in honor of the Irish Christians I met during a missions trip: July 1-11, 2011)