Freedom

Ford’s theater from a 2022 visit to D.C.; Clara Ann Thompson 1869 – 1949

For freedom Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1

Scripture teaches us about our freedom in Christ. Paul writes in Galatians, For freedom Christ has set us free. Are we free from something or free for something? What does freedom mean to you? These are good questions to ponder when freedom is threatened around the globe. Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring and remembering with grateful hearts those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom while serving in the U.S. military. We are reminded that freedom is not free. We are called to use our freedom well and preserve it.

Clara Ann Thompson knew something about freedom or the lack thereof. Clara was a poet, teacher, and civil rights advocate born in 1869, in Rossmoyne, Ohio. She was the daughter of formerly enslaved parents and educated in the arts to be a teacher. She was born 4 years after President Lincoln was assassinated for his work for freedom from slavery just days after the Civil War ended. Decoration Day was established in 1868 to decorate the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers with flowers and flags. Clara’s poignant poem, Memorial Day, mourns the price of freedom and dreams that our actions would reflect God’s call for peace. Clara’s deep faith reflects her understanding that as Christians we are freed from fear and freed for loving and serving our neighbors in peace.

Memorial Day

Go;—for ’tis Memorial morning—
     Go with hearts of peace and love;
Deck the graves of fallen soldiers;
     Go, your gratitude to prove. 

Gather flow’rs and take them thither,
     Emblem of a nation’s tears;
Grateful hearts cannot forget them,
     In the rush of passing years.

Strew the flow’rs above their couches;
     Let thy heart’s affection blend,
With the dewy buds and blossoms,
     That in fragrant showers descend. 

Strew the flow’rs above the heroes,
     Slain for loving friends and thee;
Canst thou find a better off’ring,
     For those sons of liberty?

While the buds and blooms are falling,
     Earnest hearts are asking,—Why—
In a tone, though low and gentle,
     Yet, as ardent as a cry,—

‘Why must precious lives be given,
     That our country may be free?
Is there not a nobler pathway
     To the throne of liberty?

‘Can we choose no nobler watch-word,
     Than the ringing battle-cry,
Harbinger of strife and bloodshed,
     Must we sin, that sin may die?

‘Long ago, to far Judea,
     Came the blessed Prince of Peace:
Shall we ever heed His teaching,
     That these wars and feuds may cease?’

Songs from the Wayside. © 1908 by Clara Ann Thompson. This poem is in the public domain. 

Christ made the sacrifice to set us free for freedom. How will we show our gratitude every day?

Pastor Andrea