Not Forgotten

I sat talking to two old friends, one who had become a brother in recent years, the other an unrealized prodigal. Since both conversations were via internet, my close friend and I where both talking to our other mutual friend simultaneously, telling each other of our ensuing conversations with the third.

Conversation ranged from reminiscing to future dreams, with current life in between. The visit commonly returned old memories and hindsight views of people, situations, and feelings. Mostly, it was a 'remember when' followed by laughs and more fun memories. Our conversation also turned to fears, hurts, and ultimatums as a result of those same memories.

In essence, the root of those hurts and fears were created by rules and religion in the absence of relationship. A community failed to recognize the integrity in this one's intimacy and began to push towards good things, however, they were ideals that would not be realized because the communion was not established as thought.

Lies, frustration, confusion, and unhappiness were solidified by rules without relationship. A holy lifestyle was expected, a lifestyle that did not make sense without the satisfaction and joy that comes from becoming more like Him. The first part of the equation will fail itself without the latter portion. Consequently, satisfaction and joy were looked for and found in other avenues, however temporary; not seeing the freedom being given away through each decision, slowly forgetting the identity that was once shallowly deposited.

I began to see the roots of current feelings as I heard of the old experiences and the mindsets that were created. Hope was gone, peace had left, joy was not a lifestyle, but a short weekend experience. Telling my brother of what was being said, we realized we were having similar conversations with our respective third friend. And he said to me "Just remember, there is a really really free person deep inside of there, just waiting to be unleashed".

.preach to the poor.
.bind up the brokenhearted.
.proclaim freedom to the captives.
.release from darkness for the prisoners.

this is who i will be