Freedom
Why is it that people of today prefer a beautiful lie to an ugly truth?
Why is it that the courageous few who dare to ask the “wrong” questions get ignored, or worse yet tasered? (The legality of hand-held torture devices in the U.S. is a story for another day.)
Apparently, the only “freedom” I have is the freedom to be politically correct.
I started this blog with the goal of being completely transparent and open about my innermost thoughts and feelings, but it seems that the fear of losing readers and/or having people view me as a complete lunatic has begun to dictate the way I think/write.
Am I a rebel in name only? Am I making an attempt to fit into the mold a bit better in order to regain/retain the comfort of acceptance? Have I almost reached the point where I love Big Brother?
Posted: December 18th, 2007 under Thoughts.
Comments
Comment from Jed
Time 2007/12/18 at 8:40 pm
I had forgotten about that poem. Very nice. Thanks, Josiah!
Comment from Bethany Wheeler
Time 2007/12/18 at 10:18 pm
People today want beautiful lies for the same reason they have wanted them for thousands of years. They can’t stomach the truth.
I think they see truth in you, Jed. Christ is seeable in His followers. Jesus was rejected by the people he came to save. He was beaten and tortured in ways much less humane than being shot with a taser. Rejection, though it hurts, is is a sign of Christ-likeness and true, good rebellion.
Dare to ask the wrong questions. Dare to live in such a way that will sometimes get you censored. Dare to live in a way that will hurt. Christ did.
Comment from Bethany Wheeler
Time 2007/12/18 at 10:24 pm
BTW. Did I totally miss the meaning of this post? Why is it posted under politics?
I’m prepared to be (very) embarrassed.
Comment from Jed
Time 2007/12/18 at 10:38 pm
Reading your comment, I would say you didn’t miss the meaning at all, Bethany!! Thanks so much for the encouraging words.
I’m not sure why I posted it under politics… I’ve been thinking about the government and the state of the world a lot lately, so there was a bit of political feeling in there.
But yeah, you definitely hit the nail on the head. It’s not really about legal freedom… it’s about me wishing that I was more Christlike in my courage and less afraid of being punished, hated, looked down on, etc.
Thanks Bethany.
Comment from Jed
Time 2007/12/18 at 11:00 pm
The more I read your comment, the more I like it, Bethany. It’s the perfect answer to the rhetorical questions I asked in my post (I could probably append it to the end of my post and have a nice, complete article).
That’s exactly how Jesus lived. He showed total disregard for “political correctness” and the rigid, pointless standards of the legalistic “religious” leaders (Pharisees, etc.).
I would love to be able to be that unflinchingly rebellious. But I care WAY too much about my “public image.” It bothers me when people look at me strange or fail to take me seriously.
I really need to get over that. It helps to know that there are others out there that are willing to stand up for their beliefs.
Comment from Marty
Time 2007/12/18 at 11:07 pm
Do you remember our “theme song” when you were little, called “Dare To Be A Daniel”? I don’t remember all of the words, but it supports your thoughts perfectly. We need more people who are willing to stand for truth, even if they get thrown into the lion’s den. BTW, I’m proud of you for caring enough to follow what’s going on in the world. It’s up to your generation to fix what went wrong on this generation’s watch. : (
Comment from Jed
Time 2007/12/18 at 11:26 pm
Thanks, Mom!! Daniel was definitely heroic character.
Yeah, I don’t have any of the answers for how to fix the sorry state of world affairs. But maybe if enough people would start asking questions, we would find solutions. If I can play even a small part in generating some thought on the issues, that will make me happy.
Comment from Jed
Time 2007/12/18 at 11:30 pm
By the way, everyone… I certainly hope this blog isn’t becoming too political. Because that is not at all my intent. I don’t want to waste your time by ranting and raving about current events (a quick Google News search will find you loads of that type of discussion).
My goal is to focus on the things that really matter (freedom to serve God, etc.)
Comment from Josiah
Time 2007/12/18 at 7:48 pm
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
–Dylan Thomas
Battling The World might seem like a losing struggle — but even if it is, I want to go out fighting! Keep at it, Jedidiah!