E-Newsletter

This column would ordinarily be for the week of March 28, 2016, but we have prepared it ahead of schedule in anticipation of Easter.


Peace

When the House of Representatives is in session in Washington, D.C., members of the House Republican Conference meet regularly to discuss legislation on the floor that week or in coming days, longer-term strategies, etc.  I believe these meetings, which often cover a wide array of topics, are important opportunities to help keep leadership aware of the various concerns and priorities of the Republican Conference membership.

Last week, on March 22, I, like many of my colleagues, rose to share our views on the ongoing budget discussions.

But one of my colleagues, Congressman Daniel Webster (R-FL), rose with something better.

As my colleagues and I listened silently, Congressman Webster opened with, “I bring you good news.”  He then went on to recite from memory a portion of the gospel:

“This is the Gospel: that Christ died for our sins, and He was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the Scripture.  But God commended His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  But the angel said, why seek ye the living among the dead?  He is not here, but is risen.  Have a happy and blessed Easter.”

Regrettably, it seems many Americans are of the belief that their Congressional representatives in Washington are not people of faith.  From my experience, however, I would tend to disagree with that perception.

As I reflect on my colleague’s recent Easter message, I also recall having written my November 24, 2014 column based in part on the opening prayer at another House Republican Conference meeting that was given by then-Congressman Alan Nunnelee (R-MS), who has since passed away after battling cancer.

In his opening prayer, Congressman Nunnelee quoted I Thessalonians 5:18:

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

What an inspiring and meaningful message.  Though Congressman Nunnelee’s passing was met with great sadness, I found solace in the statement issued by his family:

“Congressman Alan Nunnelee has gone home to be with Jesus. He was well loved and will be greatly missed.”

Even in our imperfect and difficult world, may we be regularly reminded of the many things for which we are grateful.  I am grateful for such things as my wife, my children, my health, the freedoms we are able to enjoy as Americans, the privilege of representing the Ninth District of Virginia, etc. 

As a Christian, this Easter season and throughout the year, I also remain deeply grateful for the hope and promise of life everlasting offered by the resurrection of Jesus, who is sometimes referred to as the Prince of Peace.

My best wishes to you and your loved ones.  I hope and pray that God’s love and peace will be with each of you, and that there would be peace amongst all faiths.

With my fellow Christians, we rejoice and celebrate the triumph of the Resurrection, and we renew our commitment to live to the best of our ability as was intended by God.  Happy Easter.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office.  You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671.  To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.  Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.

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