Freedom. What a spectacular word. I’ve always loved this word. I think it’s because big or small, it’s a word that epitomizes what we all search for. I think humans, and almost all animals on this giant spinning ball in space we call earth, have an inherent need to be free, to be in the wild, to be whatever we choose to be. No constraints of choice, just choice.
America is founded on this inherent need; freedom, a word that our forefathers started this country with. July 4th is a celebration of that brave declaration which created this country. The great, the horrific, the joyous, the fear—it’s all been a part of America’s history. We’ve made many mistakes as a country, and we’ve made many triumphs. Nothing is clearer of that than in these recent weeks, the horror and sadness of the Charleston shootings and the joy and love of the Supreme Court’s ruling to legalize same-sex marriage. It’s all here.
The more I live, the more I realize I have no answers. I just have what I think, what I believe. It’s not right or wrong, it’s just my small opinion regarding the collective. I believe in freedom, and I believe in love. I believe in an open mind and an open heart. I believe I am capable of being wrong, and I am capable of being right. I think we need to be less “I am right” and more understanding, that we are all in this together. That we are all just human, searching. That we all deserve freedom, that we all deserve our choices.
We can’t control what rules others choices, and I refuse to let fear rule mine. I choose freedom to be who I want to be, because in America, that’s what we fight for. I will always choose love. I think the hastag following the Supreme Court’s ruling says it best #lovewins.
Happy Birthday, America. May love always win. There is no place I’d rather be (maybe somewhere tropical, but you get it).
written Janelle Walker
photos Mary Claire Roman
model Jilian Harvey
makeup, hair, styling Janelle Walker
edits Kristen Fogle
MAC Ruby Woo, Kevyn Aucoin The Volume, Morroccanoil Luminous Hairspray(medium)