Independence
Those of us in the Western world take independence for granted. We just assume that we will basically be able to say what we want, do what we want and live how we want as long as it doesn't hurt other people. We assume that we'll always have the luxury of speaking our minds. Most of us can't imagine what it would be like to live in a time or place that required absolute agreement with the powers that be.
In our modern Western world, independence is so ingrained that we rarely think of the large-scale ramifications of freedom. Instead we often focus on our familial independence. Are we free from the strings that tie us to our parents? Do we have the cash to afford our own place to live? Can we summon up the courage to break away from a man who stifles us? Do our jobs allow us the freedom to run home and check on our children when need be? This is the type of independence that I know my friends and I seek. The goals may not be as lofty as those espoused by Washington, Jefferson and Franklin, but it is because of our forefathers that we are able to live the privileged lives that so many of us enjoy today.
Unfortunately I know many people who squander away their independence, completely clueless that their own actions are the cause of their misery. My grandmother is a prime example of this. She so desperately wants to be in control of every moment of her day that she has sacrificed any and all interesting opportunities that come her way. She refuses to join crafting classes, Bible studies or exercise programs because she wants to be independent. Her logic? If she has to be somewhere at a certain time she isn't free. She chooses to lose out on the socialization that she so badly needs thanks to her bizarre twist on the notion of freedom.
In this issue, you'll find articles about all sorts of independence. Brittany Burcham brings us an account of African women who are working hard to improve their village. Beverly Tjerngren ponders the heartbreak and pride involved with letting her little boy find his own wings in her article, Fledgling. Victoria Musgrave takes a different spin on the topic and shares how dependence can be just as satisfying and necessary as independence.
Of course, we have much more for you in this issue. We hope you'll enjoy all our offerings.