Born Free

Posted bymalcolmsmusingscomPosted inUncategorized

I remember ‘Born Free’ from many years ago… The book by Joy Adamson, telling of her raising an orphan lion cub, that was made into a film… Matt Monro singing the title song.

Watching Alfie Draper, a man with cerebral palsy, sing ‘Born Free’ on TV last night reminded me of the song, and gave it new meaning.

Born free
As free as the wind blows
As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart

Live free
And beauty surrounds you
The world still astounds you
Each time you look at a star

Freedom’s a political theme… After seeing Alfie we watched ‘Last Night of the Proms’. The patriotic audience sung ‘Rule Britania… Britain never, never, never shall be slaves’, and ‘Land of hope and glory, mother of the free.’ Basic human freedom… freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to walk the streets safely…

Freedom’s a Biblical theme… Jesus claimed to fulfil Isaiah’s prophecy, coming to, ‘…bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives…’ Jesus said: ‘The truth will set you free… If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.’ Paul often writes of freedom e.g. ‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom…‘  

Stay free
Where no walls divide you
You’re free as a roaring tide
So, there’s no need to hide

Born free
And life is worth living
But only worth living
‘Cause you’re born free

Yesterday I was chatting with my friend Kenny. He spoke about his wife’s faith, her certain belief in the day when there will be freedom from war, pain and sorrow. He said that he wished he believed like she does.

Last night made me reflect on freedom not just as a political right or a theological truth but a personal reality. Alfie reminded that I was born free, that I can live free, and stay free. It’s not about the external world, but my internal spirit.  Kenny reminded me of the total freedom that I shall one day enjoy.

9 thoughts on “Born Free”

  1. I have to say Malcolm that your answer to Kenny’s lack of faith is pretty basic.

    To think the answer to all the horror of this world will be mitigated by death and your then presence in your heaven isn’t a converter or a winner over of souls I fear.

    I think my thoughts go out to all the Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Jews, Bahais etc who, hopefully, live good and compassionate lives but have not accepted Jesus as their saviour.

    But then I’m sure you and I could discuss that for many hours.

    Take care and, as Dave Allen used to say, “May your Lord go with you”

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    1. I agree, Alan. Being judgmental about the beliefs of others never changes them. I’ve known Kenny for many years. He was talking about his wife and her beliefs. On this occasion I said very little about my beliefs, but it did make me reflect on them afterwards.

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      1. By saying “it did make me reflect on them”, it sounds as if you reassessed them. But I think that is probably a step too far.

        I have certainly reassessed my beliefs as I have got older. Instead of wanting to spread the word of the non-believer I accept that we all (must) get through life in our own way.

        One of the things I have told my grandchildren is that, if you have no religion, you owe it to yourself to achieve everything you can. I know I couldn’t have achieved more creatively, practically, academically and most of all having a wonderful family.

        But then I also believe that if one does believe in a god then one, surely, owes the same to their god.

        You only get one go at this life whatever your beliefs.

        And that is why I feel so so sorry for the poor devils who have been dealt a harsh card. When I see people, especially young people, in wheelchairs who obviously have mental or physical needs, my heart goes out to them.

        I will not pose the question “If someone does have complete mental agency or cognitive awareness, how can they assess the benefits of Jesus as their saviour?” Discuss

        But, I do think it’s wonderful that we see physically disabled people presenting gardening and travel programmes now.

        I believe I told you of my son-in-law’s son, from a previous marriage, was born with cerebral palsy. He was ordained a couple of years ago and could become a deacon. And, last year he was ordained a priest and can now become a curate. He has already given sermons using a speech synthesizer.

        Take care

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      1. Dexter is a long running show on Showtime. Multiple streaming platforms carry the episodes.

        The original show takes place in Miami. But, there have been 3 spinoffs since the original, including a one season prequel.

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