Freedom

     Arthur Ashe was the first male African American tennis player to be ranked number one in the United States. He rose to this position amidst the racist attitudes of the 1960's. In spite of unfair linesmen and belittling comments from his opponents, he held firmly to his belief that personal dignity was more important than giving way to anger in the face of unfairly losing a match. He saw his position as one of responsibility wherein he could quietly make a difference and take a stand against racism. The dignity he carried with him and his understanding that living the Golden Rule was important, often impressed those with whom he came in contact.
    Arthur not only faced racism in the United States, but also abroad. Because of the South African apartheid, he was denied the opportunity to so much as enter the country in 1968, much less play in a competition being held there. It was not until 1973 that Ashe was allowed to play in a tournament in South Africa. He was shocked by the way black Africans were being treated in their own country. The abuse he saw was much worse than the prejudice he had faced growing up in the segregated States.
    In 1974, Arthur Ashe returned to South Africa for a second tournament. One day he noticed an African youth that seemed to be following him around. Finally Arthur turned and asked the boy why he was following him.
    "Because you're the first one I've ever seen," the boy responded.
    "The first what?" Arthur asked.
    "The first black man that is truly free," the youth answered.
    We live in a world that is inhabited by a population mostly in bondage. As we go about our daily lives weighted with decisions and often carrying loads of worry, fear, and anxiety, we fail to recognize the great gift of freedom that is ours. In our interactions with the world around us we need to remember to let the light of freedom shine through. It should be clear to others that we are not in bondage to insecurity and petty differences, nor in bondage to self or fear. You or I may be the first truly free person they have ever seen!
    Freedom is a gift, an amazing gift, that we sometimes take fore granted. Contrary to what the world around us believes, freedom is not found by running after our own pursuits, but by submission to the Spirit. Satan knows exactly what bondage tempts us the most. Our only hope to stay free of those bonds is to cling to the one who has granted us our precious freedom and allow Him to direct our lives. As the apostle reminded the Galatians, we must "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)
    Clinging to freedom isn't easy with all the voices tempting us to fall into bondage, but it is possible. John 8:36 says "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." It is the deepest desire of Christ that we remain walking in freedom. He loves us, and knows that in freedom we will find joy in spite of difficult circumstances. 
    As the cares of life overtake me, I want to remember always to call on the Lover of My Soul, the One who died in order that I might be free. In His great love He can lift you and me out of our miry pits and set us in large places. May we ever praise Him for His mercy!