Ron's Insights 2013

I'm Here, I'm Free Now!

by Ron Susek                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ©Golden Quill Publications

      American hearts skipped a beat listening to Amanda Berry's 911 call on Monday May 6, 2013. Her voice revealed panic and desperation; after all, for all she knew, she only had seconds to save herself and three others, including her six year old daughter born to the savage kidnapper rapist. Amanda escaped, but the others were still imprisoned in the house of horrors. Here are excerpts of the call:

Caller: Help me. I'm Amanda Berry.

Dispatcher: You need police, fire, ambulance?

Caller: I need police.

Dispatcher: OK, and what's going on there?

Caller: I've been kidnapped and I've been missing for 10 years, and I'm, I'm here, I'm free now.

      At this point Amanda seems hopeful to awaken a sense of urgency. Instead, the dispatcher sounds lackluster, droning on with questions. To Amanda, every second can mean the loss of freedom forever, perhaps the murder of those left behind. Frustrated, she breaks into tears. It worsens as she hears:

Dispatcher: We're going to send them as soon as we get a car open.

Caller: No, I need them now before he gets back.

Dispatcher: All right; we're sending them, OK?

Caller: OK, I mean, like . . .

      Amanda is obviously trembling at the thought of seeing the kidnapper reappear before the police arrived. She interrupts the dispatcher:

Caller: I'm Amanda Berry. I've been on the news for the last 10 years.

Dispatcher: The police are on their way; talk to them when they get there.

Caller: Huh? I - OK.

Dispatcher: I told you they're on their way; talk to them when they get there, OK.

Caller: All right, OK. Bye.

      The dispatcher's seemingly indifferent attitude was troubling, but we were overjoyed when police surrounded the three women and the child. Their decade long nightmare was over. They were free. Justice was underway for Ariel Castro, a man who forfeited his right to be part of society.

      Through these deeply emotional days I could not help but think of what happens when a person cries out a 911 prayer to God: Oh, God, I realize that I have been sold into the slave market of sin. I am bound under the slave master of Hell . . . Satan. Have mercy and save me!  

      Heaven has awaited this call from the time of our birth. Our intermediary, Jesus, is not cold or detached, but rather warmly presents our prayer to His Father. The angels rejoice. Deliverance is immediate. The blood of Christ has already been shed to cleanse us from all sin. Satan's authority was canceled at the cross. Jesus, who came to set us free, plants His new life in us. Heaven's loving arms are wide open. Like Amanda, you can say, "I'm here. I'm free now." Amen!

Immanuel: God is with you.

Your friend,

Ron

PS: This day may prayers be lifted around the world for Amanda Berry (and her 6 year old daughter), Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight. They will need the grace and power of God to help them rebuild their lives.