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Here in the United States, we just celebrated the 4th of July … Independence Day … Freedom Day.
It wasn’t a normal 4th of July for me. I didn’t go on a picnic, and I didn’t eat hotdogs and hamburgers. Instead, I went to the movie theater. I went to see “Sound of Freedom,” produced by Santa Fe Films and Angel Studios and directed by Alejandro Monteverde. The main character, Tim Ballard, is played by Jim Caviezel. It reveals the atrocious reality of child sex trafficking.
If you don’t know, the human trafficking business is bringing in an estimated $150 billion a year, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is the fastest growing criminal industry, and it is happening all over the world—even at your doorstep.
We have to talk about this, and that’s what the movie, “Sound of Freedom,” is doing.
Some describe it as “harrowing, dark, and gripping.” I describe it as “disturbing, raw, and powerful.”
It’s a must-see, and I don’t often say that about movies.
I was troubled by the story last night, even though it has a redemptive message. It reminded me of the “Sound of Freedom” that I hear when I work with the women and children in Spain who are rescued survivors of human trafficking. Yes, I know the sound . . . the sound of freedom.
Let it ring more and more, throughout our land, throughout the world!
The Sound of Freedom
Fireworks are not,
The sound of freedom.
Patriotic music is not,
The sound of freedom.
Sizzling hamburgers are not,
The sound of freedom.
Noisy crowds are not,
The sound of freedom.
Friends and family having fun is not,
The sound of freedom.
No, I have heard the sound of freedom,
In the strawberry fields of Spain.
No, I have heard the sound of freedom,
In the shelter of safe houses.
No, I have heard the sound of freedom,
It’s a sound like no one has ever heard.
No, I have heard the sound of freedom,
It’s a sound like no one will ever forget.
It’s the sound of relief when rescued women walk through the door.
It’s the sound of greetings from others in their shoes.
It’s the sound of children playing in the safe house.
It’s the sound of women dancing openly and freely.
It’s the sound of laughter around the dining room table.
It’s the sound of tears pouring from a heart that’s healing.
It’s the sound of women chatting over the kitchen stove.
It’s the sound of children telling their stories to each other.
It’s the sound of clanging silverware as they gather for a meal.
It’s the sound of children joyfully singing at the top of their lungs.
It’s the sound of women praying, crying out to the God who saves,
It’s the sound of running water over their shattered souls.
Yes, that is the sound of freedom.
Yes, that is the true sound of freedom.
—Marci Renée, The Cultural Story-Weaver
Let’s Weave Cultures!
Have you ever heard the sound of freedom? Read Habiba’s story of freedom from human trafficking in Our Journey to El Dorado and Mommy, What’s a Safe House? Let’s celebrate and listen together to the sound of freedom.
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
