Anyone who knows me understands that I am a spiritual person. I believe strongly in a higher power, a greater plan and purpose. And while I have not spent a lot of time in a church pew in recent years, I do spend much time in reflection and prayer throughout my daily life and work.
Today, I’d like to offer some prayers and ask you to do the same (in the manner to which is your custom). If prayer is not a part of your life, I’d ask you simply to reflect on the thoughts below.
Heavenly Father,
Today we ask your blessings to these people –
The survivors of childhood sexual assault: for their healing; for their strength; for their forgiveness and peace
Our Scouts: for being a beacon in a sometimes dark place; for preparing for a lifetime of service to others; for believing in the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Our Scout families: for understanding that this program does incredible things for your youth; for knowing that the more you put in, the more you get out; for being ambassadors for other parents in our communities
Our Volunteers: for being a guiding light; for stepping up when others do not; for supporting the policies and principles of the organization; for working to make the best possible experience for youth; for caring for our Scouts
Our Staff: for the long hours; for the support; for their families who may not understand when we bring work home; for the trust in our programs and our people; for the headaches
Our Attorneys: for representing history that is not known; for an Ad-hoc committee working on behalf of local councils; for the endless time, energy and talent needed in our litigation
Judge Silverstein: for an extremely difficult decision that will last far beyond the last sounds spoke in her courtroom and will become historical in trial law; for believing that Scouting is still needed
Our Chartered partners: for standing up for what is right in the world; for creating safe space and good mentors for young people; for making difficult decisions in their own right regarding the organization they charter.
The world: amidst a global pandemic that once again seems to be rearing its ugly head; for those who are trying to understand and educate a diverse populous; for those who unknowingly put themselves in harm’s way to help others; for those who knowingly put themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedoms; for those who cannot help themselves.
And so, I offer these prayers up to you Lord, to help us all, to bring us together, to aid us in helping your children. Help us to pray and to concentrate our thoughts on You. We cannot do this alone. We need You! Every day, every hour, every minute, every second … every moment: we need you!
Thank you for all you do – no matter your role. I have often said it takes a village to raise a child. I appreciate that each and every one of you is in that village. Scouting is strong because our people are strong. We must stand united as we journey through this next chapter.
When I reflect on our volunteers, I am reminded of the big Ponderosa trees on Melita island. As we cleared the diseased Fir Trees, winds were blowing down the Ponderosas. Why? It was because they had shallow roots (due to the volcanic ash layer just under the surface, the roots didn’t grow through) and they could not withstand the strong winds. As Scouter’s, we must build strong roots in our Scouts so that when the inevitable winds blow, they can withstand the storms.
Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Yours in Scouting,
Jory Dellinger
Deputy Scout Executive
