Nearly ten years ago the movie Braveheart swept the silver screen. Film lovers flocked to see it. Many returned to see it again and again. It was an instant hit and the talk around the water cooler.

This past week, I was home stricken with a sickness that sapped my energy and melted my strength. I sat on the sofa and selected this DVD to watch again after a long absence.

Panoramic views of Scotland’s heather-covered hills and images of her fragrance brought back my own memories of living in that beautiful land. Even though I had seen the movie and knew the ending it was the dynamic storytelling, mesmerizing character-development and treasured themes that riveted my attention.

Freedom and the cost of acquiring it always grip my heart. Loyalty and the value that it has in life because it is constantly threatened by selfish greedy people stirs my spirit. Treachery by those who thirst after power and wealth at the expense of others infuriates my soul. Valor, honor and courage are elevated to the forefront of human experience when tyranny is rampant.

In this epic film those in positions of privilege were tempted by bribes and wealth. They would change loyalties on a whim if it suited their personal gain. People weren’t important to them but they were to William Wallace.

Driven by the senseless execution of his beloved wife, Wallace is thrust into leadership to fight for freedom. He used his brilliant tactical mind to win impossible battles. It was all for love and liberty. He motivated others to join him and he trusted God to give him the strength and courage to lead them.

Sir Robert the Bruce was portrayed as one with privilege. He wanted to do what was right but struggled with the realities of compromising people around him. Perhaps he is most like what most of us are. Wallace may be the best in what we all hope we could be.

True honor that is selfless is infectious. Leadership and example that touches so many lives is something we all admire. No matter how dark the circumstances or how terrible the wicked will be God always gives the light of hope. That hope inspires the rest of us to live far above the fray of compromise. Freedom isn’t a matter of fear or circumstances, it is a matter of heart, a brave heart.