The word emancipation has been used frequently over the past few days – and it should be. When we can celebrate together as One the freedom of all, we will then be socially emancipated. All groups of immigrants coming to America’s table of equality desired emancipation – Germans, Irish, Asian, Catholic, Muslim, etc. It’s an innate destiny to live our lives as designed and intended by a Higher Power. Our nation is unique in that we have historically welcomed any who wish to be a part of our melting pot culture. Lady liberty, standing in New York Harbor, shares these words:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
But, emancipation is more than the freedom granted by society. It is also personal and spiritual. That shameful habit that we have hidden within hoping no body would discover our little secret, that unlawful act we committed decades ago, that extra-marital
affair with our best friend’s wife….all waiting for the grace of emancipation. It can happen only when, “we admit to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” STEP 5, TWELVE & TWELVE, ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Getting honest is not a fun thing. It can be heart wrenching and difficult. The Big Book tells us to be fearless and thorough in our personal inventories. But, there is a light at the end of that dark tunnel. It is the freedom brought about by the emancipation of our souls. For some of us it is a return to foundational principles learned young, but then squandered during our addictions. Come to the table where equality dwells and find your freedom now.
“…..if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” JOHN 31-32
lpb quest - the twilight dance 