Ye shall be made free...
(John 8:33)

     For centuries foot binding was an ancient practice forced upon Chinese women. The procedure began by breaking the four smaller toes of each foot and bending them down under the sole. The feet were then broken across the top and folded inward with tightly wrapped bandages. Each day the bandages were tightened a little more until the feet fit into a 3-4 inch shoe. These tiny mutilated feet were called "lotus feet." Although considered fashionable in their day, bound feet made it difficult for women to walk. It crippled them for life. Upon the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, foot-binding was banned, thus freeing the women from a torturous form of bondage.
     Just as the Chinese freed their women from the bondage of foot-binding, Jesus also "hath made us free" (Gal 5:1). He has "delivered us from the powers of darkness" (Col 1:13) "that ye may abound in hope" (Rm 15:13). Therefore "be of good courage" (Ps 27:14) and "continue in the faith" (Col 1:23), for "there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord" (Jer 31:17). "If the Son... shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (Jn 8:36).