What gives you the right to own your home? 

If you were born and raised in the US, you may take for granted your right to home ownership and not fully appreciate what you have in comparison to people in some other countries and the colonists who lived here when our country was formed in 1776. So, how did you get the right to own property?  

Signed in 1791, the Bill of Rights included land ownership. Back then, it was Britain’s King George III who had control of all the land of the colonies. The government could search or take your home at any time and for any reason and soldiers could move into your home without your consent. The third, fourth and fifth amendments give you the right to be secure in your home from unreasonable search and seizure, ban the government from taking your property without reason and compensation and prohibit soldiers from entering your home without your consent. 25,000 soldiers died in the American Revolution so you could have these freedoms and many more have died defending them since. While women, African & Native Americans were not initially granted property rights, additional battles ensued until their rights were realized.  

So, what does all this have to do with Soul’s Home®? Well, the most important Soul’s Home® Ingredient is Safety. If you are not safe in your home, it just isn’t a home. Without these amendments, whether you rent or own, you couldn’t be safe in your home.

So, let’s offer our gratitude to all those who’ve been dedicated to defining, lobbying for and protecting our right to be safe in our homes and offer our compassion to those who are not that they may find safety.  

If you feel moved, write about this below because sharing is good for your soul. Next time, we’ll talk about: Home Ownership and the American Dream.

Until next time, I wish you well on your journey.