Freedom!

I witnessed something beautiful today. The judge that is hearing my case is in charge of the War Crimes Division of the Ugandan Courts, but he also hears family cases as a favor. Each division of the court has its own separate facility. So, today we had to go to the War Crimes Court and see if the judge would fit us into his schedule today. We had to wait outside the courtroom… and eventually because of our noisy children, we had to wait outside around the corner of the building. We were all trying to keep the children occupied, when I saw these two women (I presumed them to be mother and daughter or daughter-in-law) that had been waiting all morning get up dancing and waving their hands. I saw sheer joy on their faces. Then just a few seconds later, we saw some guards leave the courtroom and escort a man out. This man had the biggest smile on his faces and tears in his eyes. He ran up and embraced the older woman and they danced together in a circle. Then they walked out of the compound and met more family and friends all waiting. My friend John Mary said, “He’s just been exonerated and set free.” After him came another man with tears of joy in his eyes. He also had been set free. Beth, one of the other adoptive moms, and I all started crying. It was the most beautiful picture of true freedom. When those men came into court that day they had no idea if they would face freedom or captivity. In Uganda you are presumed guilty until proven otherwise. I do not know the nature of their crimes or how long they had been in prison, but I do know the joy of freedom. To me it was a beautiful picture of our salvation. We are all presumed guilty (and rightly so!) before the Lord, but then by the grace of God, He sets us free because of the price Christ paid. Because of Jesus I can experience true joy and freedom. I no longer am in bondage to myself or my sin. Thank you Lord for showing me this today. In the midst of my own struggle and fight for my child, you reminded me that despite any earthly circumstances I am free. I am free, yes free indeed