A song that has been a favorite of mine for over 40 years is Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" with which Janis Joplin scored so big posthumously.
When all I had to listen to music in the car was the radio, it was always tuned to oldies stations and I would wait for Janis' bluesy voice and sing along with her as I drove to work. Today, technology has advanced to the point that I can download the song onto my iPod and play it over and over as much as I desire.
Do you remember the chorus, because this is where I'm headed:
"Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose,
Nothin', don't mean nothin' hon, if it ain't free."
I've always taken these words to signify individual and spiritual freedom. Anyone who can accomplish both of those and still stand tall has earned my respect. By individual freedom, I'm not advocating a hermit's existence. Rather, I equate it with the freedom of the mind and soul to be who you really are with a grasp of what others think but not a total investment in it.
I have an acquaintance who today faces the decision of her life. Literally. Only able to imagine the kaleidoscope of feelings she is confronting, I admire her greatly. Calm, poise and courage have summed up her path in life to date. And don't forget love. She exudes love of family, friends, and her God.
As she ponders things one last time before making the big choice, I wish I could play her this song; freedom takes all forms, and we must confront those things that seek to chain us down and keep us captive. We need to be who we are and what we are, the person our Creator intended us to be. Go with God, girl.
"You know, feelin' good was easy Lord when he sang the blues.
Feelin' good was good enough for me;
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee."
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