Sunday, June 30, 2002
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Sunday, June 30, 2002 |
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The importance of freedom By MARY JANE HOLT Surely there must be new definitions for what freedom means in the hearts of all Americans this year. Actually, in just my lifetime, to date, there seems to have been an evolution of what freedom means. I suspect the founding fathers knew the definition would evolve. We are constantly rediscovering the tremendous responsibility that accompanies freedom. Never in my history as an American born patriot has the responsibility of freedom been made so clear as it has been in recent months. Freedom is a glorious thing. Some freedoms cannot be granted to us, or taken from us. They truly are our inborn rights, regardless of nationality or country of origin. For instance, there is in all of us the freedom to let our minds and hearts explore the universe on any given day. The muse for such inspiration need be no more than a leaf, a blade of grass, or a grain of sand. The feel of the wind on one's face or the warmth of the sun can further stimulate such exploration. Add to that the smile of a child, or the clasp of a baby's tiny fingers around one of your own and you become free to explore heights of grandeur. In contemplating a special 2002 Fourth of July column, I had thoughts of grandeur. This year I would define the day as I have never defined it before. Or so I thought. Little did I know it would be defined so clearly and simply for me. It would a story that would tell it like it is for every American, naturally born or immigrant. Perhaps it is your personal story. You see, I was in my hairdresser's chair a week ago when a woman walked into the salon and approached another hairdresser, who was not busy at the time, with these words, "You know how I heard about you through word of mouth, so you know how valuable such advertisement is, I hoped you would help me." The woman talked about how she wanted to work and help support her family, but she wanted to do it around her family's schedule. Out of such desire had evolved: Barks and Blooms Home and Pet Sitting Service. As I eavesdropped, I learned her name was Cindy. She sought to provide an alternative to boarding the family pet when the family was away. She would go into the home to play with, walk, bathe, and of course, feed the pet. While there, she could water flowers and was prepared to provide other lawn care needs as well. She talked about how she could tailor the package to suit any individual pet's or home's needs. There in the mirror before me, in the reflection of Cindy, I saw what it means to be an American. I saw why Abe Lincoln believed he could be who he became. I saw why Bill Gates could become Bill Gates. I saw every American mother who has a chance to have it all. I saw me. I liked what I saw. I like America. I like freedom. I like the fact that word of mouth is still the best advertisement for anybody or anything. I recall so many little books over the past decade that nobody in New York had time for, little self-published books like "The Christmas Box," "A Time To Kill," and "The Bridges of Madison County" that became household names because the folks who read them talked about them. I recall when Joe Frank Harris was running for governor how my younger son and I took to the road for a week that summer and drove all over Georgia asking folks to vote for him. Harris never knew. He didn't need to know. I just liked him, believed in him, and wanted others to know how I felt, so I told them. My son was convinced that he and I put Harris into office that year. Maybe we did. By exercising our freedom of speech. What a precious freedom it is. How awesome it is to be an American. Whether we are promoting a new business, a worthy politician, a little known book, or just sharing heart thoughts, freedom of speech is what makes America unique and special. Worth fighting for. Worth dying for. I may not agree with you, I may not like what you say, or the way you say it, but I will defend your right to say it. To feel it, to say it, to let it take form and become bigger than you. Don't think for a moment that such freedom is a sure thing. It never has been. Never can be. It must be respected, cherished and not abused, if it is to remain what America is all about. By the way, if you are about to hit the road and see more of this great country, you can call Cindy at 770-599-8684 to discuss how she can care for your home.
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