Navigating Turbulent Times: Restoring Liberty in the Face of Adversity

Things appear to be hard right now for our country. In fact, we may have never been so close to losing our gift of Liberty since our early days as a nation. What we do to correct course in the next few years could result in a return to liberty or sliding into tyranny. However, amidst the challenges we face, it is crucial to remember that the struggle for Liberty has always been tumultuous. We stand shoulder to shoulder with those who came before us, who weathered storms and fought against adversity to secure and preserve our freedom. As we celebrate our independence today, let us draw inspiration from the wise words of Thomas Jefferson: “The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave.” By recognizing the constant nature of turbulence in the pursuit of Liberty, we can choose to steer our nation towards a brighter future.

Undeniably, we find ourselves in a turbulent time. Political divisions, societal unrest, and numerous challenges both domestic and global have tested the resilience of our nation. It is disheartening to witness the erosion of the very principles upon which our nation was founded—principles that prioritize individual freedoms, equal rights under the law, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, we must not succumb to despair, for history has shown that the path to Liberty is seldom smooth.

Throughout our history, have had other dark periods where the light of Liberty seemed to fade. However, the struggle for freedom has always persevered. From the American Revolution that birthed our nation to the Civil Rights Movement that fought for equality, these struggles were marked by turbulence. The road to liberty has never been without obstacles, and it is during these challenging times that the true strength of a nation is tested.

As we stand at this crossroads, it is essential to recognize that we are not alone in our journey. We have the collective wisdom of our founding fathers and the resilience of generations who fought for the ideals we hold dear. We must channel their spirit and use it as a guiding force to correct our course and restore our liberties.

To regain what we are losing, we must prioritize dialogue, empathy, and understanding. It is through constructive conversations and respectful debates that we can bridge the gaps dividing our nation. By focusing on common goals, shared values, and unchanging truths we can overcome the polarization that threatens to tear us apart.

Additionally, an informed and engaged citizenry is paramount in preserving Liberty. We must actively participate in our political processes, hold our elected officials accountable, and advocate for policies that uphold the principles upon which our nation was built. Education, awareness, and active involvement in civic affairs will empower us to shape the future we desire.

The journey back towards Liberty is a continuous one, with no final destination. We must accept that turbulence will always accompany our pursuit of freedom. However, it is through resilience, determination, and a united effort that we can prevail. We must reject the allure of complacency and remain vigilant in safeguarding our rights, while also ensuring the rights of others are respected.

On this day of celebration and reflection, let us remember that while things may seem difficult, we are not the first to face such challenges. The struggle for Liberty has always been tumultuous, but it is precisely during these times that the indomitable spirit of freedom shines brightest. By staying true to our principles, engaging in constructive dialogue, and actively working towards positive change, we can navigate through these turbulent waters and emerge stronger, ensuring that the wave of Liberty never ceases to crash upon our shores.

Lorie Smith’s Win today in 303 Creative v. Elenis Upholds the Rights of All Americans

In a groundbreaking ruling today, the Supreme Court delivered a resounding victory for freedom of speech and individual conscience in the case of 303 Creative v. Elenis. The court, in a decisive 6-3 ruling, held that the government cannot compel Americans to express messages that they do not believe in, marking a significant win for all Americans who value their right to express their thoughts and beliefs freely.

At the heart of the case was an attempt by the state of Colorado to force an individual, Lorie Smith, to speak in ways that directly contradicted her deeply held beliefs. The Court, recognizing the fundamental importance of the First Amendment, stood firmly against such government coercion, affirming the rights of individuals to maintain their own convictions, even when they clash with prevailing viewpoints.

Writing for the majority, Justice Neil Gorsuch eloquently stated, “this Court has long held, the opportunity to think for ourselves and to express those thoughts freely is among our most cherished liberties and part of what keeps our Republic strong.” These words remind us that the freedom to think independently and express our ideas openly is a cornerstone of the American Experiment.

Justice Gorsuch went on to acknowledge that upholding the Constitution’s commitment to freedom of speech inevitably means encountering ideas that may be “unattractive,” “misguided,” or even “hurtful.” However, he emphasized that it is the virtue of tolerance, not coercion, that defines our nation’s response to such ideas. The First Amendment, as Justice Gorsuch highlighted, envisions the United States as a diverse and multifaceted society, where every individual is free to think and speak according to their own conscience, rather than being dictated by the government’s demands.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in 303 Creative v. Elenis underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of individuals to express their beliefs, particularly when those beliefs clash with prevailing norms or government-imposed viewpoints. It establishes a clear precedent that the government cannot compel speech or force individuals to endorse messages that run contrary to their deeply held convictions.

This landmark decision serves as a reminder that freedom of speech is not only about protecting popular opinions or comfortable ideas; it is about upholding the principle that every person should have the liberty to express their thoughts, even when they diverge from the mainstream. It ensures that our nation remains a haven for diversity of thought, fostering robust public discourse and allowing for the free exchange of ideas that are crucial for the progress and vitality of a democratic society.

Lorie Smith’s victory in this case is not just a win for her as an individual, or her business; it is a win for all Americans who cherish their right to express their thoughts and beliefs freely. The Supreme Court’s recognition of the inherent value of individual conscience and its commitment to protecting the freedom of speech is a triumph that reverberates throughout the nation, reaffirming our collective dedication to the principles upon which our republic was founded.

In celebrating this ruling, we must also remain vigilant in safeguarding our fundamental rights and continue to champion the principles of free expression and individual conscience. This Court has once again demonstrated that it sees itself as a guardian of our constitutional freedoms, but it is now our duty as citizens to ensure that these rights are protected and upheld for generations to come.

Jacob Schriever: From Struggle to Triumph to Arrest - A Harrowing Journey of Faith

 

Jacob Schriever’s life has been marked by a tumultuous journey and a profound encounter with God. His quest for guidance and salvation ultimately led him to find solace and purpose through his faith in Christ. However, his recent experience during the Pride Parade in Hot Springs took a harrowing turn, exposing him to aggression, hostility, and, potentially, a criminal record. Let us delve into Jacob’s remarkable story of struggle and redemption, as well as the challenges he faces today.

On his 30th birthday, December 11^th 2007, Jacob experienced a spiritual awakening that shook him to his core. While working in Chicago, he felt the manifestation of God’s wrath upon him, a conviction of the Holy Spirit that served as a catalyst for his transformation. Seeking guidance, Jacob turned to his priest but found no relief from his fears and confusion. Instead, supernatural occurrences haunted him, intensifying his sense of guilt and impending doom.

Overwhelmed by his sins, Jacob saw a waking vision that cemented his belief in his destined damnation. Haunted by the belief that demons were closing in on him, he decided to dedicate his remaining time to warning others. Holding a sign on a street corner in Chicago that read, “Read the Bible, it will Save your Life!” he hoped to share the life-saving message he had neglected to believe.

It was on this momentous day that members of a local Baptist church discovered Jacob and extended their support. Embraced by their warmth and compassion, after hearing the simple plan of salvation by grace, Jacob accepted Christ as his Savior, underwent baptism, and dedicated himself to deepening his Biblical knowledge. Pursuing studies at Bible College and engaging in evangelism, Jacob relocated to Hot Springs, where he continued to spread the teachings of the Bible.

On June 10, Jacob Schriever found himself in a series of horrifying events during the Pride Parade in Hot Springs. Joined by his friend David Runyan, Jacob had been street preaching and holding a sign proclaiming the imminent return of Jesus for several months, hoping to win souls to Christ. They had learned about the Pride Parade just a week before the event and decided to attend to share their message of faith.

The previous year’s parade had been small and relatively peaceful, with only about 20 participants. So, Jacob and David didn’t anticipate any significant trouble. Little did they know that this year’s parade would be different. The day of the parade coincided with a biker event, attracting a larger crowd to downtown Hot Springs.

As Jacob preached near the fountain, he noticed an increasing number of hecklers and individuals with LGBTQ paraphernalia observing their activities. Among them were some people with professional camera equipment, filming their interactions. Despite the confrontational atmosphere, Jacob tried to maintain a loving and compassionate approach to his preaching.

As the parade drew nearer, Jacob and David positioned themselves to preach and hold up their signs. However, as soon as the parade reached them, Jacob was taunted and sprayed with silly string. Startled, he tried to defend himself but was tackled against a parked vehicle. Amid the chaos, he managed to retreat but found himself caught up in a scuffle.

As the parade progressed, Jacob encountered numerous individuals trying to block him, grab his sign, or physically confront him. He had to constantly maneuver to avoid being overwhelmed. At one point, he even directed his preaching towards federal park rangers leading the parade, whom he believed were using their authority to spread what he considered sexual deviancy.

The mob’s pushing and shoving continued, making it increasingly difficult for Jacob to navigate the crowd. Despite the hostilities, he remained determined to finish his preaching and protest. When the parade ended, he tried to find an exit but found himself surrounded by the mob. Amidst the chaos, he had some liquid thrown on him and he was pushed into the doorway of the Central Theater, falling face-first to the ground.

Though disoriented, Jacob managed to crawl to his feet in the theater entrance. People continued to push him from all directions, attempting to take his sign. In the midst of the commotion, he tried to establish distance without resorting to violence. In a desperate moment, he shouted at a young bodybuilder who was in his face, hoping to create space.

Suddenly, an officer intervened, shouting that Jacob was under arrest. Surprised, Jacob cooperated fully and was handcuffed. The crowd erupted in celebration, while Jacob defiantly shouted about the imminent return of Jesus.

David, who had been filming the arrest, had to flee from the mob that chased him, threatening harm. Jacob was eventually released from jail after a brief period, thanks to an anonymous person or persons who paid his bail.

Jacob’s trial for the charge of “Disorderly Conduct” is set for September 21^st at the District Court in Hot Springs. Bob Ballinger, the Director of Law and Policy for the National Association of Christion Lawmakers, is representing Jacob in his criminal case.  

In light of the legal challenges he faces, Jacob’s supporters have set up a GiveSendGo campaign to assist with his legal fees. If you feel compelled to help Jacob in his journey, you can find more information and contribute at the following link: Legal Fees

Jacob Schriever’s life has been a testament to the transformative power of faith and the love of Christ. From a harrowing journey of struggle and redemption, he found solace and purpose by sharing the life-saving message of the Bible. Despite the challenges he faces today, Jacob remains steadfast in his dedication to spreading God’s words and warning others of the eternal consequences of their actions. Let us remember Jacob’s story as a testament to the strength of faith and the resilience of the human spirit.

A video capturing some of the activity at the pride parade can be found at: Video

National Association of Christian Lawmakers Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Dobbs Decision, Advocates for Life at Conception

Washington D.C., June 22, 2023 - The National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL), the first para-legislative organization in the country to pass a national model law protecting life from the moment of conception, proudly commemorates the one-year anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle to protect the lives of the unborn, prompting both celebration and introspection as we acknowledge the millions of lives lost since the legalization of abortion in 1973.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision represents a resounding victory for advocates of the sanctity of life, reaffirming the intrinsic value and dignity of every human being. This pivotal decision signals a critical stride towards establishing a society that upholds the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable among us.

"The Dobbs ruling provides us with the opportunity to demonstrate our unwavering determination to uphold life by enacting protective measures in our laws that safeguard the rights of the unborn," declared Bob Ballinger, Director of Law and Policy for NACL. He further emphasized the proactive stance of NACL by stating, "NACL is not letting this opportunity pass by. In fact, we have already adopted model legislation which protects life at conception - we hope to see the legislation adopted in several more states in future legislative sessions."

Joining the celebration in Washington, D.C., Jason Rapert, the founder and president of NACL, expressed his enthusiasm. "I am excited to be here with Students for Life to celebrate this milestone and challenge the nation to abolish abortion in every state across the country," Rapert declared. He also underlined the organization's commitment to cultivating a culture that values and defends all life, stating, "We embrace the opportunity to cultivate a culture that esteems and safeguards life at all stages, and to reaffirm our commitment to abolishing abortion, which is a modern-day crime against humanity."

While rejoicing at the overturning of Roe v. Wade, it is essential to acknowledge the profound sorrow caused by the loss of countless lives to abortion since its legalization. Each life lost represents a unique and irreplaceable individual denied the chance to experience the wonders, challenges, and joys of existence. This heartbreaking reality resonates within our society, serving as a poignant reminder of the myriad of missed opportunities for love, growth, and contributions to our world, and motivates us to continue the fight unlit the right to life is protected for every person – no matter how small.

The National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL) remains dedicated to uniting federal, state, and local lawmakers in support of clear biblical principles. Through regular meetings, NACL members engage in meaningful discussions on crucial issues and propose model statutes, ordinances, and resolutions rooted in a biblical worldview to address major policy concerns. Established in 2020, the NACL has already established 33 state chairs, boasting members and supporters across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. As the first formal national association of Christian lawmakers in American history, NACL continues to steadfastly pursue its mission.

 For more information about the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, please visit: https://christianlawmakers.com/