On this day to celebrate labor in the U.S., I am reflecting on the movie showing now "Lee Daniel's The Butler". Cecil Gaines is a man who begins his work life at a very young age picking cotton. With no formal education at all, he eventually becomes a butler at the White House where he serves 8 American presidents over 30 years. Mr. Gaines works as a butler with honesty and dignity and to the best of his ability, but his older son Louis disdains the work he does as being beneath him. Also at one point his wife resents his job because he spends more time at the White House than at their house. Both of them have a point. Mr. Gaines endures much self-effacement in order to serve "properly" and he eventually cuts back his hours at the White House to be home with his family more. He has two dilemmas common to many people today. Being underemployed and working enough to provide for his family while still having adequate time to spend with them. (I haven't done the movie justice. I'm just reflecting on the work aspect of it.) Let us pray. As we thank God today for the jobs he has given us both at home and in the workplace, let us pray for those who are unemployed, underemployed and seeking balance in their life. Let us pray for child laborers and child soldiers. Let us pray for those involved in human trafficking and illicit work.
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AliceI started this website and blog on May 1, 2012. I am a Catholic who has been in ministry for many years. I first developed what I would call a close relationship with Jesus in the early 1970s. Ever since then I have been praying with people for healing and other needs. It is because I have seen so many of these prayers answered that I am so bold as to offer to pray for you individually through this website and phone line. Archives
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