As last week closed—a week where we marked the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and a week where we also watched, stunned, as Charlie Kirk was assassinated before our eyes—I wanted to share these words.
Lord, take me where you want me to go.
Let me meet who you want me to meet.
Tell me what you want me to say,
And keep me out of your way.
This is not my prayer. It comes from Father Mychal Judge, the Franciscan priest and chaplain for the New York City Fire Department, who was killed ministering to a fallen firefighter at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Father Mychal carried these words on cards, giving them to anyone who needed strength.
On September 10, 2001, he had run out of those cards and asked a fellow chaplain to bring him more. The next morning, he was gone. His prayer, however, lived on, giving comfort to first responders, families, and a city in grief.
And now, this week, as we face new grief—watching political violence strike down Charlie Kirk in front of his wife and children—we again find ourselves in need of words like these. Words to steady us. Words to remind us that, even in tragedy, we are called to keep moving, to meet who God puts in our path, to speak truth, and to not let fear or hatred dictate our steps.
Lord, take me where you want me to go.
Let me meet who you want me to meet.
Tell me what you want me to say,
And keep me out of your way.
Published by Ed Kowalski
Ed Kowalski is a Pleasant Valley resident, media voice, and policy-focused professional whose work sits at the intersection of law, public policy, and community life. Ed has spent his career working in senior leadership roles across human resources, compliance, and operations, helping organizations navigate complex legal and regulatory environments. His work has focused on accountability, risk management, workforce issues, and translating policy and law into practical outcomes that affect people’s jobs, livelihoods, and communities. Ed is also a familiar voice in the Hudson Valley media landscape. He most recently served as the morning host of Hudson Valley This Morning on WKIP and is currently a frequent contributor to Hudson Valley Focus with Tom Sipos on Pamal Broadcasting. In addition, Ed is the creator of The Valley Viewpoint, a commentary and narrative platform focused on law, justice, government accountability, and the real-world impact of public policy. Across broadcast and written media, Ed’s work emphasizes transparency, access to justice, institutional integrity, and public trust. Ed is a graduate of Xavier High School, Fordham University, and Georgetown University, holding a Certificate in Business Leadership from Georgetown. His Jesuit education shaped his belief that ideas carry obligations—and that leadership requires both discipline and moral clarity. He lives in Pleasant Valley.
View more posts
The Valley Viewpoint 