Freedom to Me

DSP Prompt: In America today we celebrate Independence Day. What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom means everything to me. In 2000, my husband and I took a 30 day tour of China. After seeing how the people live there under Communist government, I am even more thankful for living in America. People were so oppressed and frightened there. We could not talk to any local people for fear they would be arrested because they did not have clearance to talk to us. Before we went there we knew that we could not bring our Bible or anything religious. In fact, I was advised to take my cross necklace off and I’ve worn that ever since I was a teenager. Since I am Chinese (even though I was born in America and never had been to China) and my husband is Caucasian, we took us longer to get checked into a hotel each time because they do not allow Americans to take Chinese women up to their rooms. This meant we had to show our marriage license and answer questions. The Three Rivers Gorge Dam was being built while we were on the tour and we took a 7 day cruise down the Yangtze River. Whenever we stopped, our guide asked local people (ones who were given clearance) how they felt about losing their homes due to the dam and all of them had the same canned answer, “We are glad they are doing this. Our life will be better.” We were warned never to look the police (the military) in the eyes on the street and also told that they had the authority to enter our hotel rooms, drag us out of the shower naked, in order to interrogate us if they want. I felt very tense while I was there because of all these restrictions and warnings. Now, keep in mind, the scenery was awesome and so were the historical places we saw but this other stuff overshadowed it.

When I returned to America, I wanted to kiss the ground. I actually tear up now when I hear large groups sing our national anthem. I’m thankful that I’m free to:
Speak to whomever I want to.
Have rights that the police can’t ignore.
Own my own home and car.
Free to spend the night with anyone I want to (but of course I only want to be with my husband!)
Go wherever I want to if I have the money to pay for it.
Be anything I want to be.

After this trip, I realize how thankful I am that I live in America with all its faults and problems. God Bless America!

Photo credit: St. Louis 4th of July by Creativity + Timothy K. Hamilton