HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA

Today, on the “Fourth of July,” we Americans celebrate our independence from tyranny. Thomas Jefferson penned the preamble of the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776, highlighting the freedoms established. The pronouncement still penetrates the hearts of most Americans with bursts of honor and gladness and even emotional fireworks when read:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

I say it often, and I will say it forevermore. Those words are why so many people risk their lives to come to this country. Because there is something special here in America, and we should never take it for granted.

Today’s Daily Article episode clarified the “all men are created equal” portion of the preamble in their podcast. I will reshare it here: 

• All men prohibits all exclusions, racial or otherwise.
• Are is in the present tense and thus includes you and me.
• Created points to our identity and status as created by God “in his own image” (Genesis 1:27).
• Equal means that each of us is as valuable as all of us.

Sadly, the words do not represent the heart of every American because every American is not relying on God to help them love others as He loved us all. But at least the Founding Fathers had the insight to include these words–“all men are created equal.”

This situation reminds me of when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say the Son of Man is?,” and they answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others Jeremiah (one of the prophets).” And then Jesus asked them directly, “But who do you say that I am?” Then ole quick-draw Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” You could probably hear a pin drop in the desert sands when Peter said this because the Jews were waiting for the Messiah (they are still waiting), and the Pharisees were not trying to crown Jesus “King.” These were dangerous words, but Peter knew the Truth. To which Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon Bajona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-17)

In the same respect, I do not believe that Jefferson thought of these words alone. I believe God put it on His heart because equality for all mankind is what God wanted for the new world.

Oh, I could go off on tangents and say that this country is “this or that” in negative form because of what my broke cousin said and because of what the president said. Or I can say this country is what I believe it is based on what God has revealed to me.

To me, America is beautiful because it is a land of all types of people, with all levels of socio and economic status, of all races, ages, talents, and abilities, consisting of approximately 340 million males and females, with one remarkable commonality— we are all loved by God so much so that Jesus gave His life that we all might be saved. 

I believe that America is a land of freedom and opportunity for everyone, just as much as I believe God gave His Son for our salvation.

What do you believe?

On this Fourth of July holiday, I hope you will allow America to be your land of freedom and your residence for earthly opportunities. Furthermore, I hope and pray that you will recognize that you can have a home in heaven when you love God and your neighbor as yourself, thereby fulfilling the commandment and making America all that it was originally intended to be.

Happy Birthday, America. We are an earthly Home of the Free because of the Brave and the Wise. May God continue to bless America and her citizens. 🇺🇸❤️🤍🤎🇺🇸

Happy Independence Day. Really,

Leah