Leaving Home at 14: Dreaming of Freedom

Feb 20

Scripture

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you — plans for your welfare and not for woe, to give you a future of hope." — Jeremiah 29:11 (NABRE)

Many youths today still face the weight of inherited poverty, of broken dreams, and silent struggles.

Yet within every heart, there is a longing — for freedom, for dignity, for life beyond these limitations.

The Church, through its social teaching, calls us to help all youths recognize their God-given worth and calling.

At 14 years old, I made a bold choice:

I left home — carrying only my dreams — because I longed to be free from poverty.

I knew hardship too well — but I believed:

"God will provide."

I planted this in my heart:

I will pursue higher education.

I will seek a better life — for myself, my family, my people.

This was not ambition — it was hope.

In my Philosophical Exposition on Poverty, I wrote:

"The movement of Spirit (Geist) awakens in persons the longing for freedom, for participation in the greater unfolding of history."

My leaving home was not a rejection — but a step toward this greater unfolding.

Vatican II calls this the rightful dignity of every person:

“Every type of discrimination . . . is to be overcome and eradicated as contrary to God's intent” (Gaudium et Spes, 29).

The Franciscan vision teaches us:

Poverty is not destiny.

Through education, humility, and faith, people can rise—and offer their lives in service to others.

I now see that the first step of leaving home was not escape, but vocation.

A movement of Spirit.

Lord of life,

Thank You for the longing You placed in my heart — even as a young boy.

Bless all the young who feel trapped today — in poverty, in fear, in despair.

Plant in them a vision of hope.

Guide them on paths of true freedom — through education, service, and compassion.

May Your Spirit awaken new dreams in our land.

Amen.

What dreams have I carried in my heart — and where has God been present in them?