Governor's Prayer Breakfast

Sue and I had the privilege of attending the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast on February 26 at Little America, and it was an inspiring morning. The event was well attended by state and local elected officials, business leaders, and community members from across Wyoming, all gathering in friendship, faith, and purpose.

While it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, it was Luke Bryan’s message, five-time Country Music Entertainer of the Year, that truly stayed with us. This year’s theme was “Make the World Better for Being Here.” Luke didn’t give a polished performance or talk about fame. Instead, he shared his story—honestly and humbly—and how his faith carried him through challenges most of us can hardly imagine.

He spoke of growing up in small-town Georgia, working in his dad’s peanut plant, singing in the church choir, and being baptized alongside his father. Those simple beginnings weren’t flashy, but they shaped the foundation that carried him through life’s storms.

And storms did come. At 19, just as he was preparing to move to Nashville, his older brother was killed in a car accident. Luke put his dreams on hold to stay with his family. Years later, after stepping onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, tragedy struck again when his older sister passed away unexpectedly, followed shortly by her husband.

He and his wife opened their home to raise their nephew while remaining close with the rest of the family. He spoke of these experiences not with bitterness, but with quiet faith. He admitted there were times he didn’t understand why things happened the way they did—but he trusted God anyway.

What stood out most to Sue and me was how simply he put it: faith doesn’t erase the hurt, but it gives you something solid to stand on when everything else feels shaky. It reminds you to appreciate every day, to love your family well, and to be grateful for the time we’re given.

We left that breakfast reminded that making the world better isn’t always about big platforms or grand achievements. Often, it’s about keeping your faith in hard times, showing up for the people you love, and choosing gratitude over anger.

If we can do that—right here in our own homes and communities—we really can make the world better for being here.