Free

There was an abolitionist in the 1850’s who was working hard to end slavery in America. She wished there was something more she could do to free slaves. So, she started to save money. 

Finally, she went to a slave auction. A young girl was standing on the auction block. The woman bid for the girl and won. As they were walking away, the woman said to the girl, “Young lady, you are now free.”

“What does that mean?” she asked, confounded. 

“It means you are free.”

“Free to do what?”

“Free to do anything you want, the woman said.”

“Does that mean I can say anything I want?“

“Yes, you can say anything you want.”

“Does that mean I can be anything I want?”

“Yes, you can be anything you want.”

“Does that mean I can go wherever I want to go?”

“Yes, you can go wherever you want to go.”

Then the girl declared, without hesitation, “I want to go with you.”

So the young girl, now free, joined the woman in her work, and together they freed many others from the bondage of slavery.

I love this powerful story. I love it because it is such a beautiful picture of the gospel. This little girl was freed from the cruel bonds of slavery and given a new life. But because of this, she knew that she wanted to be with the one who freed her. 

How beautiful. Even though she was free to do whatever she wanted, she knew that she had been saved to do much more than whatever she wanted. She was free to join the woman in her work of freeing others. She joined the woman in her work.

May we who have seen the light, tasted grace, and been rescued by mercy join the work of the One who is redeeming all things to wholeness.

Author: Benjamin NeSmith

Benjamin NeSmith has spent his life working with people. He put his social science education degree to use teaching students of all ages, including those with special needs, for over a decade. He spent years as a recording and performing musician and is now a Certified Professional Coach and Pastor at Element Church Tampa. Benjamin enjoys family time, hiking, interior design, and creating meaningful liturgical experiences for others.