Freedom, the sound of the word brings a good feeling. One experience a sort of ecstasy just thinking of freedom. A world without restriction; having the liberty to do whatsoever you please. You know what? We are all created free beings. We have the ability to think and act like our creator. No wonder, the bible says “Yea are gods” (Psalm 82:6, John 10:34). As an adolescent, I had always looked forward to a time where I do not need to seek the permission of anyone. But, at last, I have long past my adolescent years and still realised that the desire is still there. What then is true freedom?
Several young persons can relate with the way I feel. A feeling of not wanting to be bossed or caged. A feeling of being allowed to express our innate talents and gifts. The other day, I overheard Bisi saying to her friends that she feels like escaping to a city where she can truly be herself. “I am tired of living a lie,” she complained. Hmm! I could feel her pain, because I felt same way too at her age. The irony however is that we are already free. Not until you accept that you are free, will you ever experience true freedom. Freedom is like a sweet melody played in troubled times. Freedom is like a toddler taking her first steps, she wobbles and falls several times until she gets it right. Freedom is not the absence of restrictions and boundaries. In actual fact, they are part of freedom. It seems a bit confusing. But, there lies freedom like a lily in the midst of thorns.
Just as the economists described man’s needs as insatiable, so is his quest for freedom. Remember, a child left to himself is treading through the path of destruction. We should indeed be grateful that we have people around us who could hold us accountable for our actions and inaction. A society without laws is like a broken down city. Anarchy thrives in such a place. You see my dear, we are in this together. We must accept freedom for what it truly is; that is:
F – Free to
R – Reasonably
E – Express
E – Emotions
D – Divinely given
O – Openly and with
M – Modesty.
Joy Obehi-Ayemhere