Our world is entrenched in war, in mass killings and terror. I wake each day holding my breath as I listen to the headlines, afraid this may be the day that evil spreads to this great land I live in. I exhale an exhaustive relief that I am protected once again to carry out my life untouched by the excruciating and torturous acts forced on the lives of millions far from my safe and comfortable home. There are countless innocent victims who have to endure such suffering of violence and hate every day of their lives, and it sickens me. There are countries torn to shreds, and leaders reigning with brutal dominance that strangle the very life from the human race.
And although our nation holds its breath every day waiting and worried for what's to become of our people, our land, our future...
We still walk the streets of freedom.
Our country is certainly not without its crime and there are questionable pockets of injustice and jurisdiction. We seep dangerous and hideous acts that awaken our protective armor within walls of schools and streets of our fair cities, and we seek revenge with outcries for inequity and murderous slayings of innocent lives. We are surely not nestled in a soft blanket of barriers, but we are free. We may have ongoing convictions and challenges to face amidst our freedoms, but nonetheless we have rights to our choices.
I wake each day with the profound realization of this truth, as I am blessed to live in the land of the free. I am constantly reminded of the sheer vulnerability of this great nation and the dangers that threaten our existence.
May we embrace and celebrate our daily walk in the streets of our homeland...
The land of the free.
I am thankful that I can wake each morning and read my bible, say my prayers, and take my bible anywhere without fearing for my life. I can see others proclaim their own faith as well, and I have the opportunity to witness and appreciate many different religious perspectives that color my landscape with both honor and curiosity. I am free to believe anything I want to believe.
I am thankful that I can wake each morning to say anything I want to say. I can share my opinion anywhere I want to share it. I have a voice and I am allowed to use it without being arrested or held captive by my government. I am free to speak my opinion.
I am thankful that I can wake each morning with the opportunity to be educated in any academic area I decide. I can take courses to learn about anything and buy books to explore any topic I desire. I have the opportunity to earn a degree in any field of interest and pursue a career without any limitations or barriers put on me. I am free to be educated and employed.
I am thankful that I can wake each morning to pick out any outfit I so choose. I can dress however I wish and go anywhere displaying my adornment. I can wear make up and paint my nails and get my hair done, any way I desire. My appearance is part of my identity and I can reveal it freely without fear of punishment. I am free to wear whatever I want.
I am thankful that I can wake each morning to buy anything I want at any store I choose. I can buy products that please me, heal me, help me, and nourish me. I am free to acquire whatever I so desire. I have the ability to choose as a consumer of this great land, and I have limitless choices. I am free to purchase anything in the land of the plenty.
I am thankful that I can wake each morning to eat anything I want to eat. I can choose to indulge in my choice of eateries and groceries without fearing for my life. I can create plates of delicious delicacies from all over this land and all over the world. I may eat specific foods, according to my beliefs. I am free to choose my diet in our land of abundant resources.
I am thankful that I can wake each morning to choose any person I want to invite into my life. I can pick my friends, and I can fall in love with any man I choose and we can be married. I can end relationships and begin new friendships. I can interact with people from all backgrounds and religions, and connect with countless unique individuals, without fearing consequences. I am free to decide who I want in my life.
I am thankful that I can wake each morning with the freedom to create a family and become a mother to as many children as I desire. I have the choice to birth them in a safe and secure environment that offers medical treatment to ensure our health. I am free to have as many children as I choose..
I am thankful that I can wake each morning to raise my children with my values and faith without fearing for our lives. I can teach them anything, send them to any school, and give them the same opportunities I am given. I have the ability to make all decisions for them as their guardian and caregiver. I am free to raise my children however I wish.
I am thankful that I can wake each morning to vote for or against every law and bill and leader that runs my community, my state, and my nation. I am free to take part in any campaign or organization of politics that I desire without fearing for my life. I am free to run for any candidacy that I am passionate about and take action to make changes for any laws or governing decisions anywhere in this great land. I am free to vote and invest in the laws of our land.
These freedoms come with a price; a sacrifice of countless lives is the cost.
So I will wake every day to be thankful...
That I live in the land of the free.