There is no doubt that our nation is undergoing change.

Watching the news can be scary, especially when things seem out of control. Blue Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, Pro-life, Pro-choice, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green Party, Tea Party, pick a religion, pick an ethnicity, pick any cause or belief. All have a message they want the world to hear. Loud shouting in the streets. Violent, deadly protests. Boycotting certain businesses. We have seen what a nation can very quietly do — make history by voting a complete outsider into the highest office in the country. We are living in interesting times!

November is not only the month that this country elected a new leader, it is also the month that a new marathon, a new movement, began. The You Matter Marathon began November 1, 2016, with a goal of sharing 10,000 'You Matter' cards to people around the world. You can read about Cheryl Rice and this wonderful marathon here.

People spend a lot of time trying to get ahead, to have their voice heard, to show the world that they are here, and demand to know that the world sees them and hears their cries, to be part of the crowd and yet not get lost in that very same crowd. People, and I mean person by person by person, need to know that it matters that they are on this planet. I challenge you to listen to the other person. Really hear what they are saying. And sign up to participate in this marathon and let people know that they matter. November is marathon month, but be bold — do it the whole year, do it from now on.

I am not asking you to give up what you believe. I am asking you to listen and really hear what is on other people's hearts and let them know you hear them.

Because everyone is important.

Because they matter.

And you matter too.