In late March, NC Family’s Vice President Mitch Prosser and I took a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation. Upon our arrival, we were blown away by the beauty of our nation’s capital, as the cherry blossoms stood in full bloom along the National Mall and the plazas surrounding the US Capitol Building. The pink and white blossoms are a harbinger of spring, and draw visitors from across the country and the globe to celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
It is impossible to experience this annual event and not be overcome by a sense of wonder and hope. With this beautiful backdrop as the stage for our three-day visit, Mitch and I had the privilege of meeting with many of our national leaders including US Senator Ted Budd and his wife Amy Kate, and US Representatives Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, Greg Murphy, Debroah Ross, Tim Moore, Mark Harris, and Brad Knott. We also met with staff members from the offices of Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. David Rouzer.
We sincerely value the time we had to spend with each of these individuals and greatly appreciate their sacrificial service to our state and nation. During our conversations, a common theme rose to the surface, and that theme was a sense of hopefulness. Despite all the turmoil around the world, the partisan rancor seemingly embedded in our nation’s capital, the volatility swirling in our economic markets, and all that is taking place around us, a sense of abiding hope prevailed in the hearts and minds of many of our elected officials.
- Hope, because our nation is stronger than our current challenges;
- Hope, because the American people are resilient and steadfast;
- Hope, because America truly is “a shining city upon a hill;” and
- Hope, because we are “One Nation Under God.”
Even more impactful was the privilege we had to visit the statue of Reverend Billy Graham, which was installed in the US Capitol on behalf of the State of North Carolina last year. The base of the statue is inscribed with two verses: John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” and John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
This statue and these verses in our nation’s Capitol greet dignitaries, policymakers, and visitors from around the world and remind us where true hope is found—in the promise of eternal salvation that comes through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
I have to admit that arriving in Washington, D.C. during the peak of cherry blossom season was not a consideration in the planning of our trip. However, Mitch and I felt incredibly fortunate and blessed to have shared this experience. The wonder of God’s creation on full display only reinforced the inspired message of hope we heard from many of our representatives in Congress and the timeless Gospel message that continues to be proclaimed through the life and memory of Reverend Billy Graham.
Indeed, we can live with a sense of abiding hope, because the same God who created those magnificent blossoms, also created us to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever as we seek to honor Him and love others.
John L. Rustin is President of the North Carolina Family Policy Council