Faces of Freedom
by Jamison Brown
An Interview with James Butler
In this interview, I sat down with James Butler, an insightful 12-year-old, to explore what freedom means to him. James shared his thoughts on the Pilgrims’ journey, the sacrifices made by veterans, and how these stories continue to shape our understanding of freedom.
Interviewer: “James, what does freedom mean to you?”
James: “Freedom means being able to do what you want without someone stopping you. It’s like being able to play basketball or golf without anyone telling me I can’t.”
Interviewer: “The Pilgrims left everything behind to come to a new land. Why do you think they were willing to take such a big risk?”
James: “I think they wanted freedom so much that it was worth the risk. They wanted to live and go to church how they believed was right.”
Interviewer: “Veterans have also made sacrifices to protect freedom. What kind of sacrifices do you think veterans have made for us?”
James: “They left their families, put themselves in danger, and sometimes even got hurt or didn’t come home.”
Interviewer: “The Pilgrims came to America to find freedom, and veterans protect our freedom today. How do you think their experiences are similar?”
James: “The Pilgrims didn’t know what they would find, and veterans didn’t always know what would happen in battles. They just had to be brave, kind of like how I feel before a big basketball game.”
Interviewer: “Do you know any veterans?”
James: “Yes, my uncle Joe served in the military.”
Interviewer: “How can we show that we are grateful for the freedom we have today?”
James: “We can remember the sacrifices, respect our freedoms, and use them to help others.”
Interviewer: “What can kids your age do to help make sure that people can be free?”
James: “We can start by being kind and standing up for others. We can also learn what freedom really means and teach other people.”
Interviewer: “This Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for?”
James: “I’m thankful for my family and for all the things we get to do together. I’m also thankful for being able to play sports and have fun with my friends.”
As our conversation drew to a close, I couldn’t help but be impressed by James’s thoughtful responses and his understanding of what freedom truly means. At just 12 years old, he showed a remarkable ability to connect the sacrifices of the past to the freedoms we enjoy today.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
– Galations 5:13
Comments(10)
Dick Higgins says:
November 27, 2024 at 9:45 pmJames knows more about freedom than a lot of older people do not know. He is an amazing young man. GOD bless him richly!
Jim says:
November 27, 2024 at 10:13 pmThanks for your kind words, Dick. I will surely pass them along to James.
Leslee Bowler says:
November 28, 2024 at 11:55 amIf James is an example of the youth today, we will be just fine in the future.
Jim says:
November 28, 2024 at 2:02 pmLeslee, your comment is a wonderful reminder of the hope we can place in our younger generations. It’s encouraging to see that others feel the same optimism after hearing James’s thoughts—especially his genuine appreciation for family and the value of freedom. Thank you!
Jane says:
November 28, 2024 at 8:14 amYour friend, James, is full of early wisdom that likely was learned from his grandfather and family. 🍁
Jim says:
November 28, 2024 at 2:18 pmJane, thank you for your kind words. James truly is full of early wisdom, and I think you’re right—he’s been fortunate to learn from many wonderful examples set by his family.
Jim Higbee says:
November 28, 2024 at 7:29 pmHow refreshing it is to hear a young person express such up lifting thoughts…his role models are to be commended
Jim says:
November 29, 2024 at 12:34 amJim, thank you for your kind comment. Your words will truly honor James’s family. I’ll be sure to pass them along.
Jon Hauerwas says:
December 3, 2024 at 9:47 amI am reminded of the many risks that we, as God’s creatures, face over the course of our lives. Consider a couple surrounded by family and friends on their wedding day. Surely, each member of that couple will bask in moments of profound joy in the midst of that celebration. So, too, though, those same individuals will likely experience a significant amount of anxiety about what the future will hold. Are they making the right choice?
Risk is an inherent part of the human condition. We take risks because we perceive that the possibility of a positive outcome is greater than the potential consequence of not acting at all. Congregations become “stuck” when they experience a failure of nerve. Such complacency leads to sustained decline. Jesus gave his life for us not so that we might be comfortable, but in order that we might live in hope, eagerly embracing a future as yet unknown. This is what it means to be alive in the Spirit.
Jim says:
December 3, 2024 at 8:19 pmJon, Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection. You captured the tension between risk and comfort beautifully.