THE TREASURE OF OUR FREEDOM

THE TREASURE OF OUR

FREEDOM!

By: Tyararr J. Jones

We gather today as family, friends, acquaintances, strangers, and countrymen. Many of us have never met face to face, but we have met at the same door of pain, loss, hope, love, anticipation, patience, and hardship. Our outward shell is distinctly different, but the things our hearts have experienced; bring us as close as friends. We gather today each in our own distinct way to celebrate that which has come by the way of priceless sacrifice. The gift for those who have given their lives before us and now; is to cherish and respect the freedom which we hold close to our hearts.

May we not forget nor neglect the memory of those whose blood once flowed in the valleys and fields of which now represent places of solitude and rest. Today, let us put aside our differences that we may help those that are in need, help those that cannot help themselves, and help those who cannot see; to see the gift which today we embrace. Today, there will be those who will harness their pride and hate beacause they have not experienced that which we gladly proclaim today. May we lift the blinds of our eyes that we may see people for who they are and not for what we judgementally percieve.

Today, may we lift the shades of our hearts that the love we show have no respector of persons. May we open our minds so we may clearly reflect on the countless steps that have led us to the peak of the ladder of: Independence, commitment, faith, honesty, courage, wisdom, fervency, sacrifice and iniative. Our past and present leaders are not unordinary, but ordinary people that strive for that which burns in their hearts. It is a burning that has passed from heart to heart until every person has tasted the quenching of the thirst of independence.

There are many today that are standing thankful as free Americans and others who ridicule everything that is just, honest, and free. Though as Americans we are no longer bound by tyrants; we have found ourselves bound by an enemy that seeks to keep us bound from within by sin. We owe our freedom as Americans to those who have died before us and those who daily place their lives in harm way. To whom do we owe thanks for our opportunity to be no longer bound by sin? His name is Jesus! His death broke sin's shackles and His resurrection quenched death's sting. He loved us so much that He died for us so we may have freedom from sin. No, like others who have died, he was not an ordinary man. He was the Son of Man. He is the Son of God. He left the throne of Heaven so He could come to a sinful world that despised, persecuted, mocked, criticized, beat, and crucified Him.

All this He knew would happen. He recieved what came with open arms so that man may have the experience of being in the arms of a loving Father. Today, as you pause and reflect on the many things to be thankful for: Yes, remember those who have gone before us so we may have our independence as Americans, but remember to thank Jesus Christ for the independence he provides that which man cannot. What then is the treasure of our THANKSGIVING? The treasure of our thanksgiving is Jesus Christ and what He has done and what he can do for you.