We often hear Freedom as a right: “Freedom of speech, to bear arms, of worship,” and so on. We also hear, “Freedom is not free,” “America the free,” and “Freedom for all.”

I watched a movie called “Good,” with David Keith and Justin Etheredge. It was a rich story about death and forgiveness, but what I gained was the power and strength of truth.

Much of what hooks or adds tension in a movie or book centers around the complexity, fear, and damage of telling lies. For every lie we speak, we tell ten, twenty, or thirty more to cover up or make the lie seem truthful—believable. The more we tell, the deeper we fall. Not being honest is the surest method of throwing true Freedom in the trash. The secret is, don’t do things that grow guilt, shame, or jealousy—they tempt dishonesty. If we must lie, write novels.

We fight for Freedom. We seem to believe any action, including harm or death, is justified if Freedom is at risk. Conversely, we think telling a lie, even a little white lie, is harmless and normal.

I’m telling you, lying steals our Freedom.

If we want to be genuinely free, speak what’s true. We shouldn’t be doing what we’re doing if we have to lie to save ourselves from trouble, feel important, or protect our reputation. Some people lie to embellish the story—some lie when they don’t have to—that is a bad sign at any level.

Kids can lie to avoid getting punished. Adults often lie on resumes, tax returns, or why they got home late. They can say, “I love you,” when they don’t mean it, to make someone else feel better—in the moment.

Lying can be a habit—a bad habit. It’s bad because it hurts the liar and the one lied to. If we lie and don’t feel bad about it, shame on us; get some help.

Mark Twain wrote: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

Imagine the Freedom involved in being able to speak without first remembering what we said previously.

Telling the truth (not telling is still lying) can decrease anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, and high blood pressure. It also helps us sleep better and wake up fresher. And we don’t need a prescription or street drug, to be healthfully honest.

If dishonesty is havoc in your chest, fess up to your original lie and accept the consequences. Then, learn from your experience and tell the truth from this day forward. Please do it for yourself and enjoy living with the most valuable Freedom possible—a clear conscience.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

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