As the sun rises on the 10th day of Lent, our hearts are heavy with reflection and determination. Today, we embark on a journey of fasting and prayer, not just for ourselves, but for the soul of our nation – for an America built on integrity and guided by principles that uplift humanity.
In the quiet moments of contemplation, it becomes abundantly clear that our actions speak louder than words, especially to the keen eyes of our children. From the corridors of power to the humble abodes, they are watching, absorbing, and emulating the behaviors they see in us.
Yet, are we truly exemplifying the values we wish to instill in them? Are we demonstrating honesty, compassion, and empathy in our daily lives? Or are we inadvertently teaching them that deceit, selfishness, and apathy are the norm?
The stark reality is that our children don’t feel safe because we, as adults, have failed to create a world where integrity reigns supreme. It’s not enough to preach morality; we must embody it in every facet of our existence.
As we embark on this period of fasting and prayer, let us not merely go through the motions, but let us allow our integrity to guide our every decision and action. Let us scrutinize whom we elevate to positions of leadership, demanding honesty, integrity, and accountability from those who govern on our behalf.
But the burden does not solely rest on the shoulders of our elected officials. As grandmothers, mothers, and women, we hold a unique power – the power of the vote. Let us wield it wisely, casting our ballots not out of fear or ignorance but out of conscience and conviction. For our vote is not just a mark on a ballot; it is a reflection of our values, our hopes, and our dreams for the future.
The political landscape we find ourselves in today is a testament to our collective choices, both past, and present. It is a reminder that complacency and division have consequences, consequences that our children will inherit long after we are gone.
Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is hope. For we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” But these plans require action, they require us to take that first step towards integrity, towards accountability, towards a better tomorrow.
So, as we journey through these 40 days of Lent, let us not only fast and pray but let us also commit to living lives of integrity and compassion. Let us hold ourselves and each other accountable, knowing that our children are watching, learning, and depending on us to pave the way for a brighter, more just future.