land of the free; home of the brave
ByHello Everyone,
How many times have I heard the Star Spangled Banner? A zillion?
According to Wikipedia, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from “Defence of Fort McHenry”, a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships in Chesapeake Bay during the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812.
Last evening I was watching a movie where a group of people were becoming naturalized citizens; and then someone sang the National Anthem. As I listened, the last line sent a ripple through me – always a sure signal for me to pay attention, as this is for me to hear in a new way and apply to my real life.
The line, of course is the last line of the first stanza: “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
I, of course, listen and see through the lens of consciousness rather than literally, but this time I thought this:
We are indeed so free that we can choose to live in a prison of our minds believing ourselves to be limited. We can choose to believe in the human mind voices within that tell us to be afraid of this, that and the other. But it takes the brave to choose freedom in your own mind. It takes being brave to choose your freedom and live life full out. It takes a brave Soul to look at “what is” in life and choose something more loving, more expansive and inclusive. It takes a brave heart to break through the prison of fear in the mind and be free. I decided to choose my freedom and be brave.
I thought that this line was speaking to me. Does it speak to you?
Choose your freedom, America! It’s every bit your choice within your own mind.
Thanks for reading,
Kath
