In the Arena.

In just two days, Northeast Texans will head to the polls to make their voices heard on who will be our nominees for President, U.S. Senate, Texas Railroad Commission, our State highest courts, and, yes, State Representative. As my team and I prepare for the final push, I’m reminded of President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech delivered in Paris, France, on April 23, 1910. The speech was titled, “Citizenship in a Republic.” The most often quoted section reads:

“It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

These words, spoken over 120 years ago, resonate clearly with me this weekend, just as I am sure they do for all who are engaged in the political arena leading up to Tuesday’s Primary.

The issues facing Texas and our great country are consequential and will impact our lives, as well as the lives of our family members,

friends, and neighbors. The issues are serious and that’s why the campaigns to decide who will help solve these issues are serious as well. They’re full contact, and require sweat, dust, and blood. Not just from the candidates, but from our families, campaign workers, supporters, and the voters, who will be the ultimate decision makers. As you can tell, Northeast Texans are passionate about their politics. They should be!

I want to take this opportunity to ask you to join with me in keeping all who are engaged this political season in your thoughts and prayers. Join me in asking God to grant all who are involved strength, courage, wisdom, and peace between now and election day. Join me in praying that God’s will be done, and that He continues to bless our communities, our state, and our nation regardless of the outcome.

At the end of the day, we are all in this together, no matter the results. Please join me in praying for my opponents. I hope they will pray for me!

Also, please say a pray for those election officials who will be hard at work, bright and early and throughout a long day, to ensure this election is conducted fairly, efficiently, and transparently. They have an important, yet oftentimes thankless job. We owe them our gratitude. Without their efforts, we couldn’t have an election.

Thank you to everyone who has studied the issues, researched the candidates, and waded through the multitude of ads, campaign mail, and commercials. An informed voter is a wise voter!

I humbly ask for your vote. Regardless of the outcome, I am a better man for this experience, and have an even deeper love of our community, our state, and nation.

May God bless Texas and all who call it home!