Free to Be

There came a time, I felt a longing
   To be free;  free to be,
   To be a limb on the Tree of Life
      That would reach out and offer fruit
      To nourish the poor
          So they, too, would be free,
             Free to be.

I searched here and there,
   From mountain tops to chapel pews.
      Peace was nowhere.
   Even the sweet air of the South Pacific
      Held the stale quality
         Of freedom withheld.
   I came home in despair.

In my search for freedom, I came upon
   A layer of fog;
   A blanket of doubt
      Lay on top my labyrinth within -
         A mouse in a maze
            Trapped!

It soon became clear, I was the capture
   Who held myself prisoner all these tear-filled years.
In order to grow, I had to let go -
   To open my deadly grip,
   To surrender all my pride and shame,
   To hang in His loving arms.
I found freedom in His pain.

by Julie St. John   December, 1986

Today is Good Friday,  the day we remember the crucifixion of our Lord and King.  It is a good day because Jesus demonstrated His deep and lasting love for us.  Only in Christ will we find the freedom and peace we long for along the path of life.