When I was a child I was taught, ” in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue”, that’s all I remember after so many years have passed in my life cycle, however; that voyage was said to have resulted in the founding of the new world. It offered a new start for those Europeans who were adventurous enough to journey to it’s shores. Although Columbus didn’t land on the shores of North America he was responsible for the colonization of the new worlds for European expansion; exterminating the peoples who inhabited these lands and subjugating others as slaves for Spain.

In 1526 the first transatlantic slave voyage by the Portuguese reached Brazil, they were the first to transport slaves from the shores of Africa. An institution was established which commercialized, racialized, and inherited the transfer of captive peoples to the America’s. The number of people capture or bought between 1526 and 1867 is said to be more than 12 million men, women and children; robbed of their home, humanity, and futures. While it is the consensus today that slavery no longer exist, this is not entirely true; it has taken many different forms.

The question I submit to you is “what will be the cost of freedom?” Much blood has been shed in the pursuit of freedom, yet; injustice continues to thrive, division is still king, brothers fight against brothers, mans inhumanity to his fellow man changes with each passing day and we are all becoming desensitized to the anger and violence that threatens our very existence. We are sisters and brothers with one Father in who’s likeness we were created and joined together by one blood; all mankind is one family. Jesus, our elder brother came to this world to remind us we are all in the same family; it cost Him His life.

Around the world men and women sacrifice their lives that those on the home front can sleep in peace, go about their normal routines without fear. They stand on the wall as watchmen against the tyranny of the strong imposing itself upon the weak. Although we may not stand upon the wall of foreign shores we have a responsibility to stand against tyranny in any form and anywhere it rears it’s head. We must all remember freedom is not free; there is a cost to be paid. In some cases that cost requires the ultimate sacrifice; that’s what Jesus paid that those who choose can be free from this world of confusion and chaos, fear and hate, and sorrow and pain.

When the love of Jesus dominates the heart, the peace man enjoys cannot be explained or measured. It is this peace that allows us to live in this sinful world, but; not partake in it’s sins. It shines it’s light into the darkest spaces, encourages man to hope for better days, and reaches out to those in need. Jesus paid the cost of our freedom, what are we willing to give for Him?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace