Take Time to Reflect Published on Facebook July 2,2020
In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of HappinessTwo hundred forty-four years ago the Declaration of Independence was signed. The thirteen colonies proclaimed independence from King George III and the British government. That evening, John Dunlap, the official printer to the Contentinetial Congress, printed 200 plus broadsides of the declaration. Horseback riders dispersed the news to the army, colony governments, leading officials. Over the following days and weeks, riders read the proclamation aloud in town squares, inns, and main streets.
Let’s read the first sentence of the preamble again. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
What does this sentence mean to you?
What words stand out to you?
Each of us may have a different understanding. I cannot speak for you, but what I can do is share with you what I feel when I read these words of freedom. Self-evident truths, apparent, and easily recognized. We know them in our hearts; we strengthen them through our actions. Unfortunately, we can also destroy them, leaving behind a history of dissolution.
All men (and women) created equal in the creator’s image. Black, white, and every shade in between. We have different cultures and different tastes, likes, and dislikes. We are endowed, (to furnish freely or naturally with some power, quality, or attribute) bequeathed, empowered, bestowed upon, by our creator. An inheritance, spawned by His plan for us, given freely and with love to each. A bequest cherished by all.
Unalienable rights are impossible to strip away or give up. They reside deep within our souls. The substance of what we fight for, and the hope we cling to–Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Today, we still fight for the same things. Yet, just like the news carried on horseback, current news leaves us excited and questioning. These words, written over two-hundred years ago, carry immense meaning. I hope your celebration with family and friends enables you the discovery of what they mean to you. I discovered a journey still in progress.
May we unite and let freedom ring.
