broken chains

Cuba became the largest slave colony in all of Hispanic America, with the highest number of enslaved African people imported and the longest duration of the illegal slave trade.  In 1980, the Mariel Boatlift in Cuba took place. The Cubans sought freedom from communist rule. When the refugees arrived by boats and rafts from the dangerous waters of the Florida Straits, they were filled with many emotions. Peace, fear, relief, anxiety, and hope were among the feelings they experienced. Some even kissed the ground, even calling the United States paradise, from escaping the oppression, economic crisis, and food shortages, etc., in Cuba.   

My biological father, Rene, came from Cuba on a boat seeking freedom from oppression. The consistent survival mode of providing by any means necessary became embedded in Rene, even though he desired righteousness, peace, and equality. He became lawless against the country's restrictions, also known as a "criminal". Strong, resilient, fearless, kind, and nurturing. Bitter, oppressed, violent, and anger was his other face from suppressed oppression, with permission to abide. Glory be to God, despite Rene's lawless deeds, God heard Rene's cry. He planted a Seed in Rene with an anointing to plant seeds for the renewal (Rene) of the minds of God's people, which can manifest true identity and freedom in Christ Jesus!