Paradise Lost

In the past, the country was a paradise. Today, it is an inconceivable mess. It used to be a holiday destination for people from all over the world. Now people are risking their lives to get out of the country and as far away from it as possible. From being ruled by an upright, Christian man named Ian Smith, this country is now being flushed down the toilet by a communist thug who goes by the name Robert Mugabe. From being Rhodesia, a safe country for parents to raise their kids, Zimbabwe is now a land where millions have been kicked out of their homes for the benefit of government officials. Although Rhodesia and Zimbabwe are the same country, the past Rhodesia and the present Zimbabwe are about as similar as heaven is to hell.

While Rhodesia was beautiful, Zimbabwe is now a barren land with very little splendor left. Trees would line the streets and give the appearance of utter tranquility. Animals, such as zebra, elephants, and giraffe, would walk around Rhodesia freely. They could even be seen wandering about the major cities! Victoria Falls, a world famous landmark, was untainted by garbage or dirt. People from all over the world would travel far and wide in order to glimpse the beauty and magnificence of the Falls. Parks were free of litter, and they were a perfect place for families to hang out and have picnics together on any given afternoon. Zimbabwe, however, is pretty much a polar opposite to the old Rhodesia. Trees are not nearly as commonplace. Most of the wildlife in Zimbabwe have either died or have moved to neighboring countries. Victoria Falls is polluted from lack of care and interest in its general welfare. Not nearly as many tourists come to see it because it’s so difficult to even get into the country. There are no longer any parks for families to walk through because the greenery has died, and the trees have been cut down. President Mugabe doesn’t care about the scenery in Zimbabwe, so he will not lift a finger to clean up the mess he has made in the once exquisite land of Rhodesia. In place of Rhodesia’s paradise, Zimbabwe looks a lot like how I image hell to be.

While Rhodesia was safe, there is no place of refuge from the tyranny in Zimbabwe.. Parents didn’t have to worry about their children wondering around town because they knew their kids would be fine. Even five-year-old children were free to roam the streets by themselves! Christians could worship without restraint. Families could sleep peacefully at night, knowing that no one would attack them in the middle of the night, or try to evict them from their own home. Yet, in the country of Zimbabwe today, children can’t go anywhere without an adult near by, watching over them and protecting them. If parents don’t watch their kids, someone could simply whisk them away and maybe even recruit the children into aiding the communist parties in their evil cause. Christians are persecuted daily for their “offense” of worshiping the Lord. Crime is ever increasing. Zimbabwe’s current president, Robert Mugabe, murders anyone who opposes him or gets in his way. Families live in fear. They have no idea when or where the next attack may come from. Living in their homes is a “luxury” to be enjoyed until someone from the socialist party of Zimbabwe decides that he or she wants to live in the house instead. The ability to inhabit the land of modern day Zimbabwe grows increasingly tougher each day.

While Rhodesia was a Christian country, Zimbabwe is a land ruled by a communist dictator. Christianity was respected and honored back then. When one traveled through Rhodesia, churches were a very ordinary sight. Faith was not an issue, and citizens were free to choose their religion. Possessing a Bible was not considered a felony. Getting in and out of the country wasn’t difficult in the slightest, and the Rhodesian currency was strong. Today, faith is not something to be taken for granted. Thousands, if not more, have been ruthlessly murdered for breaking the law against being a Christ follower. All of the churches have been burnt down and destroyed, forcing believers to worship in secret meeting places. Those who are fortunate enough to still own a Bible have to hide them for fear of being discovered by President Mugabe and his band of wicked followers. People wait for days on the Zimbabwean borders, waiting to be let in. Military roadblocks abound. There can be up to even 30 roadblocks in the space of 100 miles. The Zimbabwean Dollar is now worth zilch. Possessing trillions of “Zim Dollars” won’t even get you a loaf of bread. It is very safe to say that Zimbabwe has the highest inflation rate ever in any country in world history.

It’s so sad to see how a nation, once so perfect, could digress into something so dreadful. From poetry to puke, the country of Zimbabwe has taken a nosedive for the worst. It’s crazy to comprehend that Rhodesia and Zimbabwe are one and the same place. We need to remember that America could easily get to the same place that Zimbabwe currently finds itself in. We, as American citizens, have to realize how incredible the gift of freedom really is. Rhodesia’s past and Zimbabwe’s present are about as opposite as they can possibly get.