This weekend, we sent this note and prayer to over 4000 state legislators across the United States.  My phone has been ringing and responding emails are numerous.  One legislator wrote,  “Thank you.  You have “hit the nail on the head” as to our real problems.  I am going to keep this near to read when I get “frustrated”. Thank you my friend!”

From Oregon to Rhode Island and Texas to Michigan affirmations that we need this have come back to me.  So I am encouraging you to put your state legislator’s name in the blanks and pray.  God is interested in helping our nation grow in grace and stature.

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There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NIV1984

Inclusiveness is rarely enjoyed in our world these days.  Folks fight for entitlements based on differences instead of likeness.  “Me first” abounds in decision making.  Rights can be defended at the cost of a balance of justice and fairness. Equality can mean I get more than you because inequality reigned yesterday.  This situation stings and sticks like a bothersome nettle.  ______________, can we settle the nettle?

Leaders have a fearsome job.  There just does not seem to be a way to win.  Que problema es…. The problem is… we are humans.  Humans have competing needs, wants, and desires.  Decision makers have a job in front of them where there is toughly a full win for everyone.  Getting everyone on the same page is just not something that happens often.

You have my sympathy and empathy______________ Stay strong.  Stay in the game.  It is a worthy endeavor to lead and wrangle with troublesome decisions.

Prayer:  Father, I lift_______________ in front of You.  You seek to settle the nettle.  You work to bring us together as family and friend in spite of our differences.  Yet, we struggle.  Help ______________ find solutions and decisions that bring us closer to the same and more balanced in our expressions. Let freedom and unity ring.