"Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness"

"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." - Declaration of Independence

In the crucible of history, where ideals of freedom and governance converged, stood the remarkable Founding Fathers of America. These luminaries were more than architects of a nation; they were visionaries whose convictions were deeply intertwined with their faith. The corridors of history bear witness to their profound belief in the sovereignty of God and the divine origins of human rights. Their faith wasn't confined to the sanctuary; it reverberated in the very essence of their endeavor to birth a nation built upon principles of justice and liberty.

The concept of the sanctity of life was central to the Founding Fathers' thinking. They believed that every individual possessed inherent rights simply by virtue of being human. Protecting the right to life was foundational to their vision of a just society.

The foundational principle of the sanctity of life is firmly rooted in the heart of Biblical ethics. The sacred text itself proclaims this truth in Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." This profound declaration not only establishes the origin of humanity but also underscores the inherent value that each individual possesses as a bearer of the divine image. The sanctity of life is not merely a philosophical concept; it is a divine truth that forms the bedrock of ethical thought.

At the heart of the sanctity of life lies the doctrine of Imago Dei—the belief that every human being is created in the likeness of God. This transcendent truth elevates humanity above all other created beings, endowing each person with intrinsic dignity and worth. The Imago Dei not only reflects our connection to the divine Creator but also serves as a unifying factor, transcending cultural, social, and racial boundaries.

Freedom, a resonant word that carries within it the weight of human aspirations, is more than a mere concept—it is the essence of autonomy, the embodiment of choice, and the beacon of liberation. It has been the driving force behind social movements, the catalyst for revolutions, and the quiet yearning of individuals seeking self-determination. But freedom, as we shall discover, isn't confined to the realms of politics and society; its roots extend deep into the spiritual soil of humanity, tracing back to the sacred pages of the Bible.

To truly appreciate the profound impact of freedom, it's imperative to recognize its intricate layers. Far from being a simplistic notion, it's a multifaceted gem that sparkles with various hues of significance. Freedom isn't merely the absence of physical chains; it's the presence of the ability to align actions with inner values and convictions. It's the power to make choices, guided by a moral compass that reflects one's character.

While the struggle for political freedom is evident in the annals of history, the essence of freedom is not limited to external circumstances. It's a state that resides within the very core of the soul, a realm where personal autonomy is safeguarded even in the face of external limitations. The Apostle Paul beautifully captures this truth in his letter to the Galatians, proclaiming that "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free" (Galatians 5:1). This inner freedom, granted through faith, transcends worldly restraints.

This phrase represents the pursuit of individual well-being and fulfillment. It encompasses the idea that people should have the freedom to pursue their own goals, dreams, and aspirations, as long as it doesn't infringe upon the rights of others. Happiness, in this context, is not merely material wealth but includes the pursuit of personal growth, fulfillment, and self-determination.

Pursuing happiness is a universal aspiration, but as believers, our true joy is found in the Lord. Psalm 37:4 tells us that when we delight in the Lord, He grants us the desires of our heart. Our pursuit of happiness, aligned with God's will, leads to a fulfilling and joyful life.

The Founding Fathers were well-versed in biblical teachings and drew upon these principles when crafting the Declaration of Independence. The phrase "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" reflects their belief in the inherent worth of individuals, their desire for freedom from oppression, and their aspiration for a society where people could seek personal well-being and fulfillment.

I would have written it to say, "Life, Liberty and the pursuit God."

"Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness" - The Biblical Foundations<<<

July 4, 1776 = 17 Tammuz, 5536

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The Seventeenth of Tammuz (Hebrew: שבעה עשר בתמוז Shivah Asar b'Tammuz) is a Jewish fast day commemorating the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple.^[2][3] It falls on the 17th day of the 4th Hebrew month of Tammuz and marks the beginning of the three-week mourning period leading up to Tisha B'Av.^[4]

The day also traditionally commemorates the destruction of the two tablets of the Ten Commandments and other historical calamities that befell the Jewish people on the same date.^[2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventeenth_of_Tammuz

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Psalm 72
15. Long may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; may prayer be made for him continually; and may he daily be blessed:
16. May there be abundance of grain in the land, may it wave on the tops of the mountains; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may the men of the city flourish like grass of the earth:
17. May his name endure for ever; may his name be continued as long as the sun; may men be blessed in him; may all nations call him happy:

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Sea = [ים] = 50

Nun is the fourteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Numerical value: 50
>>>
Nun also means "kingship." There is a verse in Tehillim regarding Mashiach that states:¹⁶ "May his name (Yinon) endure forever, as long as the sun." According to Rashi, Yinon refers to kingship. If we break the word "Yinon" into two -- yud and nun -- nun means kingship, and putting a yud before a word denotes continuity.¹⁷ Therefore, the name Yinon implies that the kingship of Mashiach will endure forever.
In Aramaic, nun means a fish. Another meaning of nun is a bar nafli, one who has fallen, or a miscarriage. In the Torah portion entitled Balak,¹⁸ the prophet Bilaam prophesizes the coming of two kings. The first one is King David. The second is King Mashiach, who will rise from David's descendants in the final days.
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/137086/jewish/Nun.htm

America is like the Moab of the nations. Who'd ever think that such an uglified duckling could have any worth or potential.

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