“You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free”

John 8:32 –

What is TRUTH? We are in the era of truth in America. Our reckoning has arrived. Trickery and deception alluded us, and we have become wiser.

When I think about my personal growth and the changes I have made to become a “better version” of myself, I feel as if I am moving closer to my truth. But really, what is truth?

Mariam Webster Online has a few clear definitions of truth that we should consider when we are pondering the elements of the noun called TRUTH.

1. Truth –  the body of real things, events, and facts: actuality. This definition of truth speaks of change of events and facts that we all come to know as truth. You see, we define truth in the context in which we are exposed to a body of real things. We all have an idea of truth and it is that truth that leads and guides us in our lives. As children, most of us have been surrounded by family, and friends that help shape our truth as children. If we are fortunate in our youth, we have been guided to the truth from our parents and those who are close to us.

We have a sense of comfort knowing that we can depend on those people closest to us to take care of our basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. They also provide us with their guide to all things truth. As the seasons change and we grow and mature as people, we begin to see the world from our unique perspective, and our truths might change because of it.

We read history books and listen to relatives who tell us how good or bad their lives have been. We attend grade school, and teachers tell us that history hardly repeats itself, and we should focus on our futures, but the truth is that our truths were shaped by the fact that THEY created for us.

• Truth – the state of being the case (fact). As we begin our journey into adulthood, the facts begin to reveal itself. The world that we were born into is not the world that we live in now. Issues of race and caste creep into our lives and work. Like weeds in a beautiful garden, they can choke our minds and hearts. We attempt to hold on to the influences planted by our families and community, but we try to survive those “fight or flight” feelings of this new adult world around us. America is a tough garden to survive in and it will let you know just what part of the garden you belong within its society.

This change in us happens as slowly as the transition from summer to fall. Our minds become keenly aware of our differences made light by the way we are treated in society. We still believe in the power of change, but the facts tell us that if we do not learn from our history, then we will be doomed to repeat it. If we are rooted in a higher power, GOD, then we may waver, but we will begin to anchor the storms of life.

• Truth – a transcendental fundamental or spiritual reality. “Just like the seasons, people can change.” When our minds and hearts are open to change, it can become a powerful elixir that can guide us to the truth. Births, marriages, divorces, separations, and death are all part of the life cycle that we will encounter. These enduring qualities of change give us a sense of purpose.

We learn as we experience many of those things in life. The power of truth was always with us and is walking beside us as we navigate the weeds in this American garden. As believers in Christ, God was, is, and will always be our TRUTH. The pain from the weeds and the thorns from those bushes are only temporary, but if we hold onto the TRUTH, we can even manage to appreciate those thorns and weeds.

John 8:32 – “You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free” is one of the most powerful bible verses that makes the path clear and the truth simple. The Truth changes us. The Truth makes us whole and gives our lives meaning and purpose. The Truth gives us the ability to navigate the thorns and weeds in our lives. The Truth can even change those thorns and weeds into flowers.

In 2024, the American garden is littered with the weeds of racism and prejudice. For many believers in the Truth, sowing in the American garden can be quite laborious. We should never give up on the dream of our descendants. God is Truth, and He is the one who can set our minds free from hate.