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The Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down Colorado’s ban (Chiles v. Salazar) on conversion therapy for minors, ruling 8-1 that the law unconstitutionally restricts therapists’ free speech by targeting certain conversations based on viewpoint. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the lone dissenter. Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor joined a concurrence — an agreement with the majority opinion.

In an opinion by Justice Neil Gorsuch, the court held that Colorado’s 2019 Minor Conversion Therapy Law regulates protected speech rather than professional conduct. The law prohibited licensed mental health professionals from engaging in any practice or treatment aimed at changing a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor in Colorado Springs, challenged the ban, arguing it prevented her from offering talk therapy aligned with clients’ goals and her religious beliefs.

Lower courts had upheld the statute as a regulation of professional conduct that only incidentally burdened speech. The Supreme Court disagreed, saying the law “targets speech based on its communicative content” and that the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals failed to apply rigorous First Amendment scrutiny. The case was reversed and remanded for further proceedings under strict scrutiny.

Washington state is one of the approximately 23 states plus the District of Columbia that bar licensed therapists and other mental health professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors. Today's decision could upend similar laws in these states.

Washington enacted its ban in 2018 through Senate Bill 5722, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) who is himself openly gay and a champion for the LGBTQ+ community. Similar to the Colorado law, SB-5722 prohibits licensed health care providers from engaging in any practice or treatment—talk therapy or otherwise—aimed at changing a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Violations are treated as unprofessional conduct, which can result in fines, license suspension or revocation.

The statute was upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022, however the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to SB-5722 in 2023. The recent 8-1 Supreme Court ruling striking down Colorado’s similar ban could now open Washington state's law to new legal challenges under strict First Amendment scrutiny.

Lynnwood Times

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What is the significance of Holy Monday?

Overview of Holy Monday

Bible Hub

Holy Monday is recognized as the second day of Holy Week, following the celebration of Palm Sunday. It marks a key transition point in the final days leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scriptural accounts record several pivotal events on this day, including the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple. These narratives underscore crucial theological themes such as judgment on fruitlessness and the call to true worship.

Biblical Accounts and Key Events

1. The Cursing of the Fig Tree

In the Gospel of Mark, immediately after the Triumphal Entry, Jesus and His disciples pass by a fig tree:

“On the next day, when they had left Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if there was anything on it. But when He reached it, He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then He said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat of your fruit again.’ And His disciples heard this remark.” (Mark 11:12-14)

The subsequent discovery of the tree withered the next day (Mark 11:20-21) illustrates the theme of divine judgment upon spiritual barrenness. This sets a solemn tone that invites reflection on authentic faith, a theme relevant for Holy Monday observances.

2. Cleansing of the Temple

Mark’s Gospel also records that Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem and drove out the merchants:

“Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves.” (Mark 11:15)

This act reaffirms that worship must be sincere and aligned with God’s holiness. It also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would offer for sins. Archaeological discoveries of ancient temple artifacts in Jerusalem, such as first-century coins and stone inscriptions, corroborate the Gospels’ setting, lending support to the historicity of these events.

Theological Significance

1. Symbol of Judgment and Authentic Faith

The fig tree episode portrays how outward appearances-like leaves without fruit-are insufficient before God. True faith produces fruit, aligning with Jesus’ teaching: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). Holy Monday’s significance involves taking stock of spiritual life, ensuring that faith leads to tangible obedience rather than empty religious form.

2. Emphasis on True Worship

In cleansing the temple, Jesus restores reverence for the place dedicated to honoring God. This event underscores the message that humanity must approach God in humility and purity, consistent with the broader scriptural call in Psalm 24:3-4 that only those with “clean hands and a pure heart” can ascend the hill of the Lord.

3. Preparation for the Cross and Resurrection

Everything leading up to the resurrection is purposeful, setting the stage for redemption accomplished at Calvary. Holy Monday reveals the urgency for contrite hearts, preparing believers and seekers alike for the profound events-death and resurrection-that follow. As demonstrated by multiple historical testimonies (e.g., Josephus’ references to Jesus and the subsequent growth of the Christian community), the events of Holy Week are recorded not only in Scripture but also acknowledged by extra-biblical writings, reinforcing the reliability of the biblical accounts.

Historical and Manuscript Evidence

1. Consistency in Gospel Accounts

The accounts in Matthew 21:12-19, Mark 11:12-19, and Luke 19:45-48 all converge on Jesus confronting spiritual hypocrisy, thus showing a coherent, unified witness. Scholarly analysis of thousands of New Testament manuscripts preserves these episodes with remarkable consistency, a fact supported by textual critics who have studied the earliest papyri and codices.

2. Archaeological Corroboration

Archaeological work around the Temple Mount area in Jerusalem offers material evidence for the temple’s grandeur and function in the first century. These findings align with the Gospels’ descriptions of temple activities, further underpinning the account’s historical credibility. Combined with the broader archaeological affirmations of places like Bethany and Jerusalem’s layout, these discoveries offer external support for the reliability of the biblical narrative.

3. Global Witness of the Church

Beyond the text, the Christian Church’s expansion from the early centuries onward reveals that believers throughout history have regarded the events of Holy Week as foundational. The transformation of the disciples-from uncertain followers to bold proclaimers of Christ’s resurrection-anchors the credibility of the accounts. Modern-day testimonies of life changes rooted in the crucifixion and resurrection echo the power of Holy Week’s events.

Devotional and Practical Reflection

1. A Call to Examine One’s Life

Holy Monday invites both personal and communal reflection: Am I bearing lasting spiritual fruit, or am I merely displaying religious form? Scripture teaches that “every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19). This convicting truth calls for prayerful introspection and, if necessary, repentance.

2. Reverence in Worship

Followers of Christ are reminded to keep the sanctuary of God-whether a physical church building or the believer’s heart (1 Corinthians 3:16)-holy and free from any deceit or self-serving motives. Holy Monday traditions sometimes include special worship or readings focusing on the holiness and lordship of God, as exemplified in Jesus’ cleansing of the temple.

3. Anticipating the Resurrection

Holy Monday points forward to the victory of Easter Sunday. Reflecting on Jesus’ righteous anger against hypocrisy and His longing for genuine faith sets our gaze upon the full outworking of His mission: atonement for sin and the promise of eternal life. The significance of Monday lies in its reminder that Christ’s sacrifice is not an isolated act but the pinnacle of a grand narrative, culminating in the reality of His resurrection-“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Conclusion

Holy Monday occupies an important place during Holy Week by focusing on heartfelt devotion and authentic worship. The cursing of the fig tree stands as a sobering call to spiritual fruitfulness, and the cleansing of the temple emphasizes the sanctity expected in approaching God. Historically and biblically, these events are well-attested, reinforced by manuscript evidence, corroborating archaeological findings, and the enduring witness of believers past and present.

Through meditation on Holy Monday’s themes, one is encouraged to respond with genuine faith, readiness for God’s refining work, and anticipation of the life-giving power of Christ’s resurrection.

Dear Friends,

I wanted to share an important update that directly impacts our shared mission to defend religious liberty and stand with persecuted believers around the world.

On April 10, 2025, President Donald Trump nominated former U.S. Congressman and longtime pastor Mark Walker to serve as the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom (IRF). This ambassador role is one of the most visible platforms our nation has for advocating global religious liberty and protecting those suffering for their faith. Walker’s 16 years of service as a Southern Baptist pastor, along with his years in Congress, have uniquely shaped his heart for ministering to persecuted communities.

In his announcement, Walker affirmed his commitment to confronting “atrocities against people of faith” and expressed his desire to work closely with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to advance these priorities.

However, as of December 12, 2025, his nomination is still stalled before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. A confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled, despite strong calls from faith leaders, advocacy groups, and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). All have emphasized the urgency of filling this role in light of escalating persecution worldwide—particularly the severe threats facing Christians in Nigeria and other vulnerable minority communities.

During this delay, the office continues under the acting leadership of Senior Official Patrick Harvey, who has served since January 20, 2025.

If confirmed, Mark Walker would succeed Ambassador Rashad Hussain and help ensure that religious freedom remains central to U.S. diplomacy, especially following the recent changes to USAID’s foreign assistance functions.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, your awareness and prayerful engagement on these issues are vital. Please let me know if you would like additional information or if you plan to communicate this update within your ministries.

The position of U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom—one of the most important roles in defending persecuted believers around the world—remains unfilled as Mark Walker’s nomination continues to wait for Senate action.

At a time when Christians in places like Nigeria and many other faith communities face increasing persecution, it is vital that our nation has strong leadership advocating for religious liberty on the global stage.

We encourage you to take these simple steps:

1. Pray for persecuted believers worldwide and for God’s guidance in the confirmation process.

2. Pray for our leaders, including those responsible for scheduling and approving this critical appointment.

3. Stay informed and be ready to speak up respectfully as opportunities arise to support religious freedom for all.

4. Contact the Foreign Relations Committee-https://www.foreign.senate.gov/about/membership

5. Email the Ranking Members-

6. Chairman-https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact

Your prayers and engagement matter. Together, we can stand with those who suffer for their faith and encourage our nation to uphold its commitment to global religious liberty.

Here is a sample email for the ranking members:

Subject: Urgent Request to Advance Mark Walker’s Nomination for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom

Dear Senator [Last Name],

I am writing to respectfully urge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to advance the nomination of Mark Walker for U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.

As of December 12, 2025, his nomination remains stalled, with no confirmation hearing yet scheduled. This delay persists despite strong and repeated calls from faith leaders, advocacy organizations, and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), all highlighting the critical need to fill this position without further postponement.

Global religious persecution continues to escalate at an alarming rate—especially the severe threats facing Christians in Nigeria and other vulnerable minority communities. At a time when international crises demand focused and principled leadership, the absence of a confirmed Ambassador-at-Large hampers the United States’ ability to respond effectively and champion religious liberty worldwide.

In the interim, the office remains under the acting leadership of Senior Official Patrick Harvey, who has served since January 20, 2025. While his service is appreciated, this acting capacity cannot replace the authority, reach, and diplomatic mandate of a confirmed ambassador.

If confirmed, Mark Walker would succeed Ambassador Rashad Hussain and play a vital role in ensuring that religious freedom remains a priority within U.S. diplomacy, especially following recent changes to USAID’s foreign assistance functions.

I respectfully ask that the Senate take prompt action to schedule a hearing and move this nomination forward. The urgency of global religious persecution demands timely leadership.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or State]
[Your Email]

The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather and give thanks for all the blessings God abundantly gives us. The story and history of Thanksgiving are about the foundation of our nation being built on religious freedom. The underlying motive for the pilgrims to come to the new world was to establish a community where they could follow the Lord, their God, in the specific way they interpreted scripture and worshipped their creator. They wanted to escape from the corruption of the Church of England.

They initially separated, but after a time, some realized it was better to leave and forge a new path in another world. That decision was not easy or comfortable, and they probably had no idea what the price would be for their freedom. Freedom is never truly free. It is always bought at a price. They suffered, died, but also planted and gained eternal fruit. To this day, their fruit remains.

Christianity and the Kingdom of God suffer violence, and the violent take it by force. From the time the Separatists decided to separate from the Church of England, that group suffered violence. They suffered persecution, financial ruin, sickness, and death. When they came to the new world, they suffered violence from strangers and natives. They made mistakes along the way but continued to grow in their faith and numbers. The journey of faith is not light or easy. The life of Christ is not passive, but combative. The kingdom of light is at war with the kingdom of darkness. There is no middle ground.

The act of conversion is violent. When a person is being converted to Christianity, they are being delivered from one kingdom (the kingdom of darkness) into another kingdom. The scriptures say that those who are not Christians are captives of another kingdom. When we preach the gospel, we are declaring war on the darkness. Witnessing the gospel is not a passive act. The cross of Christ was an act of love and war. The cross made a show, openly disarming all powers and principalities and bringing them under the feet of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The spirit of the age hates Christ Jesus and his church. This is a fact. Christians need to continue to pray for boldness and protection to speak about their faith in peace and gentleness, but also be aware that, wherever they are sharing their faith, they are, in essence, taking a stand and, in some ways, declaring war. Christianity will never be done away with or stomped out, but will suffer violence till the Lord returns. The Lord, our God, is God, and the gates of hell will not prevail against his people.

To escape from the injustice of a prejudicial tribunal, the Apostle Paul invoked his right as a Roman Citizen and appealed to Caesar. In Acts 25, the scriptures read, “Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. Rather, they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”

Notice that the reason Paul was arrested was because of false accusations of doing all sorts of evil. When in reality Festus found that the only reason for Paul’s imprisonment was a dispute (disagreement) with him about their own religion. In other words, a theological disagreement. The Jews didn’t want to know or hear the truth, so they attempted to have him killed.

The Bible says the truth sets people free, but the Word of God is a sword and will pierce the minds of unbelievers. Because the Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen, he was lawfully allowed to appeal his case. He didn’t have to go before Caesar. But he CHOSE to stand before Caesar. He knew you could be put to death, and that didn’t dissuade him. Why? Because, according to his own words, in Philippians 1:21-23, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

The relationship and deep knowledge of God that the Apostle Paul had with the Father God allowed him to pen these words at a level of profound faith and revelation. He says, Living is Christ, but dying is gain. If he were to live in the flesh, he would go on bearing more fruit, but he desired to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

For a Christian to die is gain, and being with Christ is far better. These words are sometimes hard to grasp because many of us have not known the Lord in this depth. But the Word of God is light and truth, and I believe these words are the words of a faithful servant of God who had seen the face of Jesus and the heavenly realms.

Charlie Kirk’s passing was shocking, and millions are mourning his death. To give these scriptures above to his family and loved ones will not take away the pain and shock of what happened to his life. The grief and agony are real. He was a national treasure and will be remembered for generations to come. And like the Apostle Paul, if he lived on in the earth, he would continue to bear much fruit, but now, he is with the Lord, and according to scripture, that is a far better place to be, not for his wife and children, not for his friends, and not for the millions of youth he influenced, but for him.

Charlie was a martyr for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he will receive his crown along with all who live a faithful life to the Lord. He died because of his faith, convictions, and his boldness of speech. This is why the Apostle Paul died, defending the faith and speaking with all boldness the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There will come a day when the Lord arrives at the sound of the trumpet, and even death itself will be swallowed up for all eternity. We will rejoice with these words- “Death is swallowed up in victory. “O Death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

Have you heard the saying, “A Jack of all trades, master of none?”

The full quote actually reads: “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” This is a quote by William Shakespeare. In some cultural and business circles, some say to stick to one area of expertise. An example is telling a writer to stick to one genre. If you want to become a person of influence or build a brand, we are told to build on one passion or skill. Is this a fixed position that will guarantee success every time? Or is it a personal opinion of some people who have gained a successful business or ministry on one passion? I don’t know the answer, but I do know my heart. And I’m unable to follow that particular advice. Why? Because I have several passions and interests that drive me. I wrote two books. One of the books is about Christians participating in government, the other is about the Proverbs 31 Woman in the Bible. I admire the Proverbs 31 Woman and can relate to her because she didn’t do just one thing. She possessed a diverse range of skills and passions, and she achieved great success.

I’ve studied a lot of American History and Government. The founding fathers were educated in a variety of subjects, and their interests were diverse. Check out this excerpt from the book, Liberty, Order, and Justice, by McClellan.

American political leaders, it may be seen, drew upon a wide range of philosophers, historians, lawyers, and political thinkers in formulating their constitutional principles. This body of knowledge, combined with their solid grasp of British institutions, their experiences under colonial government, and the new State constitutions, to say nothing of American writings on the subject of government, provided a wealth of information for drafting a new constitution. Indeed, the men of the founding generation seemed to love books as much as they loved liberty. We get a glimpse of these American values from the last will and testament of Josiah Quincy, a brilliant Boston lawyer who fought at the side of John Adams against British tyranny: “I leave to my son, when he shall have reached the age of fifteen, the works of Algernon Sidney, John Locke, Francis Bacon, Gordon’s Tacitus and Cato’s Letters. May the spirit of liberty rest upon him.” A letter written by Thomas Jefferson in 1771, when he was twenty-eight years old, gives us yet a better insight into the kinds of books the educated class of Americans read and valued. Robert Skipwith, a friend of Jefferson’s, asked Jefferson to draw up a list of the books that a Virginia gentleman should have in his personal library. Jefferson obliged his friend with a lengthy list divided into numerous sections, including “Fine Arts” (including poetry, drama, art, and gardening), “Politics and Trade,” “Religion” (which included what we would call philosophy today), “Law,” “History,” and “Natural Philosophy and Natural History” (what we now call the sciences). Works on poetry and fiction, such as those of John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Jonathan Swift, were included, he said, because “every thing is useful which contributes to fix us in the principles and practice of virtue.” Most of the basic works on Greek and Roman history—Tacitus, Livy, Sallust, and Plutarch—gave detailed accounts of the corruption in Roman politics. Works on English politics and political history focused on the constitutional conflicts of the seventeenth century, but included later works too—Locke, Sidney, Montesquieu, and Bolingbroke. Under religion, Jefferson included the writings of Cicero, Seneca, Xenophon, Epictetus, and  Hume. Blackstone’s Commentaries, Lord Kames’s Principles of Equity, and a law dictionary were the only entries under the heading “Law.” The Bible also appeared on the list, as did Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary and some of the writings of Edmund Burke and the Scottish economists Adam Smith and Sir James Steuart. Almost all of these works, in one degree or another, were read widely by the educated class of Americans who directed the affairs of the American Republic in the formative years. They provided American political leaders with a deep sense of history, an understanding of liberty and constitutional government, and a system of values, both personal and political, that are reflected in their political behavior and in the constitutions they drafted for their countrymen. No generation of political leaders has been better prepared or better educated for writing a constitution and assuming the reins of government than the Framers of the American Constitution.

The Founding Fathers read and studied books on a wide variety of topics. They were educated, courageous, and God-fearing. They read poetry, history, drama, and art. They also read the Bible. As a writer, I don’t believe being a Jack of all trades limits me, except on social media platforms, where the algorithm sometimes struggles to know where to place my writing. I’m convinced that over time, people will read my work because they are inspired, instructed, or encouraged by me as a person, not just because I am an expert in a field. The more I read and study, the more I learn about any subject—whether it’s government, history, cooking, sewing, theology, or women’s issues. What is given to me will be easily shared with you, my readers. I hope that you will continue to read my Substack even though I consider myself a Jack of all trades (in writing) and a master of none.

McClellan, J. (n.d.). Liberty, Order, and Justice | Online Library of Liberty. https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/mcclellan-liberty-order-and-justice#lf0088_label_058%3E

I’m a Christian. I’m what you would call a Conservative Christian, and I homeschooled my children from Kindergarten through High School. I love the home arts and the traditional style of homemaking. My heart is with my faith and family first. I am not a Feminist. To me, a Feminist is someone who is about women’s rights over family. A Feminist believes in women choosing themselves, their careers, their wants and desires before all others. Whatever makes a woman happy and fulfilled, do it. Feminists don’t have marriage and family at the top of their priorities. I wanted to clarify that first, because even though I’m not a feminist, and love the traditional family, not all women in the bible fit the traditional role.

In the bible, several women were not keepers at home.

Here are a few:

Rahab was an innkeeper.

Ruth worked the fields.

Hulda was a prophetess in government.

Deborah was a judge.

Anna prayed and fasted day and night in the temple.

Phobe was a patron in Rome. She was a very wealthy woman,

Lydia was a businesswoman and had a church in her home.

Priscella worked outside the home in business and ministry.

But one of the greatest workers outside the home was the Proverbs 31 Woman. To today's standard, she would be a millionaire from her business enterprises.

I wrote a book about her.

There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to the Proverbs 31 Woman.

Check out my book here on Amazon and tell me what you think.

Mary

A Woman of Substance: Teachings on Proverbs 31 - Kindle edition by Salamon, Mary. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.