Last night, we saw the movie, “12 Years A Slave” and I have been thinking about it ever since. I want to write about it, but I am not entirely sure what to say.

For those of you who aren’t familiar, it is the true story of Solomon Northup, a free man, who was born in 1808. He lived with his wife and children, in Saratoga, NY. Solomon was quite successful, prosperous and well-educated.

In 1841, he was kidnapped, and held in captivity by horrible men. Then, he was transported by horrible, horrible men… to New Orleans. He was forced into slavery by horrible men. He spent the next 12 years in a horrible existence.

I have to say it was one of the best movies I have ever seen. At the same time… it was the most difficult 2 1/2 hours I have spent in a long time.

It made me think long and hard about freedom and survival. The entire movie, the visualization and consideration…. of that time in our history…. made me profoundly sad.

Yet, today, I had a much fresher appreciation for my freedoms. I think this can come to us in may different ways, and sizes, and forms.  But. Yes.  

I am thankful to be free.

May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right. – Peter Marshall