This Thing Called Freedom

Photo by Steve Douglass

By Ken Hanson


Some take if for granted, this thing called freedom,
But that’s the next to last thing you should do.
Freedom isn’t free, it comes at a cost,
Paid for by people who came before you.

Our founding fathers and ancestors,
Paid for our freedom with their lives,
A way of life we all now enjoy,
Sons and daughters, husbands and wives.

In the long warm days, while summer is still new,
We gather again to celebrate and play,
Picnics, parades, fireworks and lemonade,
We honor those who gave us what we have today.

This precious thing called freedom, do we really understand,
The price that was paid long ago?
To us, it’s a day off from work,
Fun at the lake, take in a picture show.

To them, freedom meant their lives,
They gave everything to start something new,
Their sacrifice lives on today,
So much that was gained, bought by so few.

This fragile thing called freedom, are we really aware,
How easily it could go away?
A border over run, the people oppressed,
Examples on the news most every day.

Dictators cast their eyes on our freedom,
They would take it away if they could,
But we are a people who defend our flag,
We can, we do, and we should.

Those who would harm us rarely succeed,
There are people who stand in their way,
Our brave men and women in the US Armed Forces,
Stand vigil over our freedom every day.

They continue a service started long ago,
A time when our nation was still new,
Our freedom shall not be in peril,
We have something worth defending, and we do.

It usually isn’t easy, families split by deployment,
Hard on them, their children, especially their wives,
The price of freedom paid for willingly,
Their time, their families, sometimes their lives.

Next time you see a soldier, offer them your hand,
Tell them you appreciate what they do,
A sacrifice they made by choice,
To defend the flag, and me, and you.

This amazing thing called freedom, can we even comprehend,
How deeply it runs through our soul,
A fundamental way of life, demanding vigilance,
And sometimes extracting it’s toll.

Our very lives determined by freedom of choice,
A concept which is known to us all,
Placed there, I believe, by our creator,
Impacting all lives, big and small.

This thing called freedom is part of our salvation,
A choice you have to make,
Christ’s salvation is offered, not demanded,
Even though your everlasting soul is at stake.

You have the choice to follow Christ,
It’s a choice you alone will decide,
Freedom from sin demands a sacrifice,
You might have to swallow your pride.

There’s only one path to salvation,
“No one comes to the Father but through me”,
Christ’s words that will shape your life,
And determine if salvation you will see.

Salvation can’t be bartered for or earned,
It doesn’t matter what you’re worth,
It’s a gift given by the grace of God,
Without restriction to all people of Earth.

This thing called freedom means it’s all up to you,
Freedom of choice you must embrace,
Certain damnation or everlasting salvation,
Offered to you through God’s Grace.

So, have you forgotten or are you still wondering,
What’s the last thing you should do?
That would be to turn away from Christ,
Don’t do it, He’s still waiting for you.