Today is Columbus Day and a holiday for some.

This morning, I thought, how are we defined in life in the eyes of others?

Not that I need any special recognition, but I have consistently had the privilege of saying and leading the Rosary for the past two years before Mass begins each Saturday evening.

Ironically, this past weekend, I was also blessed to be part of the Rosary Coast-to-Coast, a special rosary. My specific church was registered under the Holy Family Catholic Church as we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary to pray for our leaders.  It was in collaboration with the Rosary Coast to Coast nationwide rally.

Rosary Coast To Coast | US National Rosary Rally From Coast to Coast

Sitting in the church pews, I thought about the importance of being present in mind, body, and spirit.  I also considered why I participated in this specific Rosary when I would lead another rosary in less than an hour.

I was participating because our nation is in trouble.

Sometimes, we are called to be intercessors for others and pray for them.

I’m grateful for the prayers that others have prayed for me.

Many of us, me included, continue to hear the rhetoric of the leaders on Capitol Hill and how the house is divided with negative comments.  I’m grateful that the Government didn’t shut down last week, as they went to the twelfth hour to pass a resolution to keep it open.

I often say that there is no comparison needed for who I am.  I am authentic and very grateful for the values instilled in me through my mother and father.

There are several days in my life that I can reflect on how my parents brought me up on the path I have chosen as an adult.

Maybe you are like me and have photos of your no longer alive parents.  However, you physically see pictures daily that remind you to do the right thing as you go to your particular room/place in your home.

I’m also grateful for the values I learned in the military of treating people with dignity and respect.  Too often, I see signs of others looking down on those less fortunate because they belong to a specific party.

I realize that you and I are judged by our clothes, hairstyles, and skin color every day.

As a believer in my faith, I continue to notice the light of others that is shining for others to see.

It’s through their actions that they don’t try to compare themselves with anyone else and are authentic in their activities without passing judgment.

As I thought about my recent experience with the Coast-to-Coast Rosary this past weekend, we prayed for every state and leader who helped run this country.

You don’t have to look far to see that we live in troubled times.

We have gone from the war in Ukraine to considering Israeli requests for additional military aid after the sweeping attack by Hamas.

Let’s not forget all the rhetoric when Republican Kevin McCarthy made history Tuesday as the first house speaker ousted from his position.

I understand why my church focused on leaders during the weekend Coast-to-Coast Rosary.

As you go about your day and week, I challenge you to think about what you were doing this past Saturday at 3:PM CST.

I know I’m committed to praying for peace and those responsible for maintaining stability.

As various statewide primary elections continue to happen at the local, state, and federal levels of Government, I’m asking myself, are they being salt and light?

That question may be subjective, depending on which side of the aisle you are sitting.

Nevertheless, we must continue praying for all our leaders in these troubled times.

My concern is for our youth and the younger generations to follow, listening to all the noise and rhetoric created around them.

I often wonder how they perceive the changes that continue to happen and the effects of our ever-changing economy.

Maybe the physical state you live in has nothing to worry about as you prepare to cast your votes, or you don’t care one way or the other about the leaders of this country.

I would ask that you at least look at the impact your children’s children will endure and the generations yet to follow.

I’m looking at how our youth has stood on the steps of the Nation’s Capital in the past, and nothing has changed, or has it?

Being salt and light is not optional, at least how I interpret it. (Matthew 5:13-16).

As you enjoy the holiday, take a moment to reflect on how you are being salt and light to others you interact with daily.

Be Well and Be Safe!