How To Know When To Fight For Freedom

It’s been almost 70 years since the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A key tenant of this declaration is that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” as stated in Article 1.

It’s about freedom.

This includes:

• “Freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.” [Article 13]
• “Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses” [Article 16]
• “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.” [Article 18]
• “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.” [Article 19]
• “Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.” [Article 20]
• “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.” [Article 21]
• “Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment.” [Article 23]
• “Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community.” [Article 27]

Of course, this declaration of freedom is all well and good. But how well have these principles been embraced and implemented around the world since it was first adopted on December 10, 1948?

Sadly, these freedoms are still out of reach for many who live under oppression, are trapped in slavery, and are even tortured and killed – today! And to be blunt, such conditions are not isolated to war-torn regions and dictator-led countries. They can – and do – occur everywhere, even in the most civilized and wealthiest countries of the world.

When to Fight for Freedom

The strange thing about freedom is that you may not always appreciate when you have it, but you always recognize when you don’t.

Question: Do you recognize when externally imposed restraints appear?

Often the first sign that such restraints exist is an outward conflict, indicating a power struggle. When you see this, how do you respond? What are you prepared to do to protect your freedom – and more importantly the freedom of others?

Or do you let fear hold you back?

When conflicts threaten the freedom of your family, your community, or your country, are you prepared to take a stand? Are you prepared to push back the fear and lead?

Leaders who make a difference recognize an externally imposed restraint, push past the fear, and willingly choose to give up their own freedom to help preserve freedom for others.

A few well-known examples:

1. Martin Luther King Jr. made a difference when he fought for the advancement of civil rights in America, ultimately sacrificing his life (1968) for the freedom of African Americans.
2. Mother Teresa made a difference when she sacrificed all personal care and comforts and dedicated her life to minister to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying across 123 countries.
3. Nelson Mandela made a difference after spending 27 years in prison, for his role as a militant anti-apartheid activist, becoming president of South Africa in a first ever fully representative democratic election (1994).

So, if you value freedom – and recognize an externally imposed restraint – will you push past the fear and lead?

Will you help make a difference – and uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was passed almost 70 years ago? Now more than ever, leaders are needed – everywhere!