"Freedom Isn't Free"

“Oh freedom, oh freedom, oh freedom over me

And before I'd be a slave I'll be buried in my grave

And go home to my Lord and be free…”

By Lucy Kinchen

____________________________________________________

With February being Black History Month, I take pause to reflect on the many strides made by African American people in our struggle for freedom. To those that know me it should be no surprise that my focus is on the successes made by men of color in the U.S. Military. As I traced the wartime history of this country I was reminded that African American males have defended democracy ever since the American Revolution.

It seems the powers that be had no misgivings when allowing Crispus Attucks to fall from the first shot fired during the Boston Massacre, nor did they hide from us the heroic charge of the 54^th Massachusetts, against the impenetrable Fort Wagner during the Civil War.

Yet when I fast-forward to the Second World War, I’m puzzled at how soon military officials forgot the past contributions and heroics demonstrated by men of color. Although they were allowed to enlist, they were not given permission to fight; at least not in the beginning.

Experiments were conducted at facilities such as Tuskegee Alabama, Montford Point, Camp Mackall North Carolina, and extremely racist Fort Hood Texas. Not only was it believed that these men could not handle the pressures of facing a fierce enemy in heated battle; but they were also incapable of demonstrating the technical intelligence and skill required to operate sophisticated aircraft, and armored vehicles. It was also believed that they couldn’t perform as paratroopers.

None the less, they overcame the steryo-types, and the prejudices to become the best Soldiers, Seaman, Airman, and Marines the world has ever known…So with great pride and honor I salute the Pilots of the 332^nd Attack Squadron, the Sailors of the USS Mason; I salute the efforts of the 761^st Tank Battalion, and the 555^th Paratroopers. I also salute the men who made up the “Red Ball Express” from the 102^nd Division, and last but definitely not least; the Marines of Montford Point.

Those heroic men proved that the freedoms which both they and the United States fought for did not come free or cheap; they paid a high price to achieve it.  

Because of the fight for freedom, you and I are free to live our life in any manner we choose. Speaking for myself, I made the decision that I was gonna live my life to the fullest. Much like me, many of you made the same choice. Suffice it to say, many of us lived as riotous as possible. We were revelers, whoremongers, wine-bibbers, drug-addicts, cussers, brawlers….you name it, and we’ve done it.  

But being wise in our own eyes we failed to see that what we viewed as freedom was actually slavery. How so you ask? Each time we give in to the sinful desires of our flesh, we become slaves to sin; trapped in bondage performing deeds and acts that go against the commandments of a loving God. (Ref. James 1:14)    

Daily we struggle within to overcome our sinful nature. This epic battle has been waged since the beginning of time, causing our spirit man to war against our flesh, and the urge to commit sin in these mortal bodies; therefore by giving in to our flesh, we fail in our effort to please God. (Ref. Genesis 3:15, Galatians 5:17, Romans 8:8)

Thank God for putting a battle plan in place that would utterly destroy every volley sent by the enemy. The plan called for Jesus to willingly sacrifice his life for ours. Thereby canceling the penalty for sin and enabling us to stand firm in our freedom from sins wages. (Ref. Matthew 20:28, John 13:37, 10:17-18, Galatians 5:1, Romans 6:23)

It’s so good to know that the sin debt was already paid on our behalf. Neither General’s MacArthur, Patton, nor even Eisenhower could have drawn up such an intricate plan. Jesus shed his blood for you and I therefore freeing us from eternal damnation. (Ref. 1^st Corinthians 7:23, 6:29)

And while we are now free from sin, believe me when I tell you that….”Freedom isn’t Free”.