Almost ten years ago I spoke at a conference on “The Faces of Justice,” and met Jena Lee (now Nardella), then an undergraduate. Over time we have become friends and colleagues, spending hours and days together over the years on behalf of the Blood:Water Mission. (And I now serve as senior adviser to its board.)

Last Thursday she called to say that she had been invited to pray at the Democratic National Convention, offering a benediction on the first night. It is a sausage-making world out there, messy and messy and messy again, and the political world often seems the most messy. Over the weekend I spent a lot of time thinking about this with her, and the board, always trusting that she would honor God, honor the Blood:Water Mission, and honor the best of America.

She did well for all of us, praying a righteous prayer, full of longing for the things that matter most.

You were a gift to America, and the world, Jena. Thank you.

http://www.bloodwatermission.com/blog/2012/09/jena-nardella-invited-to-pray-for-the-nation.php

http://jenanardella.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/praying-for-the-nation/

(The second link includes the prayer.)

Steven Garber is the Senior Fellow for Vocation and the Common Good for the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust. A teacher of many people in many places, he continues to serve as a consultant to colleges and corporations, facilitating both individual and institutional vocation. A husband, a father and a grandfather, a he has long lived in Washington DC, living a life among family, friends, and flowers.

Meet Steve

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