Economy – The Blessed Overcomer

I’M TIRED.

I’m tired of the lies.
I’m tired of the misinformation.
I’m tired of the arrogance.
And I’m tired of being told that everything is better when so many Americans are struggling to see it in their own lives.

As an American, I don’t want to blindly defend a political party or a president. I want to defend truth, accountability, freedom, and the people who call this country home.

The numbers matter.

Inflation is still putting pressure on American families. The latest BLS report shows consumer prices were up 3.4% over the previous year, while real average hourly earnings declined in August.

And we are now months into a war with Iran that has already cost tens of billions of dollars. A September Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 25% of Americans considered the war worthwhile, while 82% expected the conflict to continue for an extended period.

That isn’t something we should simply accept because someone tells us it’s necessary.

Questioning our government isn’t being anti-American.

Demanding honesty isn’t being disloyal.

Wanting peace isn’t weakness.

And asking whether our leaders are actually making life better for ordinary Americans isn’t political extremism.

It is citizenship.

I don’t expect every American to agree with me. In fact, I believe disagreement is part of what makes our country work.

But I do expect us to demand more from those entrusted with enormous power.

Less arrogance.
Less propaganda.
Less division.
Less blaming.
Less pretending everything is perfect.

And more truth.
More humility.
More accountability.
More listening.
More diplomacy.
More concern for working families, veterans, children, seniors, and people who are simply trying to survive.

I don’t want America to fail.

Quite the opposite.

I want America to heal.

I want America to come together.

I want leaders who understand that serving the American people is a privilege—not a personal kingdom.

So I’m praying.

I’m praying for new beginnings.

I’m praying for real leadership.

I’m praying for wisdom in Washington and peace around the world.

And I’m praying that Americans—regardless of political party—will stop allowing politicians to convince us that we have to hate one another in order to love our country.

We can do better.

America can and must do better.

And I still believe there is hope.

God, give us leaders with wisdom, humility, courage, integrity, and a genuine heart for the people they serve. And give us the courage to demand nothing less. Amen. ~OC

Yesterday, the Temporary Protected Status protections and work authorizations expired for approximately 330,000 to 350,000 Haitian nationals. Roughly 6,100 Syrian nationals also lost those same protections.

Regardless of where you stand on immigration policy, I hope we don’t lose sight of the human beings behind the headlines.

How many families woke up today wondering what comes next?

How many children are afraid of what the future holds?

How many businesses lost dependable, hard-working employees?

How many communities will lose neighbors who volunteered, coached youth sports, cared for the elderly, and quietly made their neighborhoods better?

How many churches will lose faithful members who served, worshiped, prayed, and loved their congregations?

As someone who has spent a great deal of my life in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and medical facilities, I can’t help but think about our healthcare system.

How many patients will lose trusted caregivers?

How many hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and medical practices will suddenly find themselves without compassionate, experienced professionals? Healthcare systems across the country have warned that the loss of TPS workers could worsen existing staffing shortages.

These are not just statistics. They are people with names, stories, dreams, and relationships. Many have spent years contributing to their communities, paying taxes, building businesses, serving churches, and caring for our most vulnerable neighbors.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to see people before politics. We are commanded to love our neighbors, welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and remember that every person bears the image of God.

Before we argue about policies, may we first remember the people.

May our hearts never become so hardened that we stop asking, “How can I love my neighbor today?” ~OC

Tag: Economy

Loving Our Neighbors Beyond Politics