[All Boys]

THE PRESIDENT IN CHURCH

I thought this was great. Lamar Alexander is a senator from Tennessee.
Have a great day!!!

This is for real. I called Laura Lefler in Sen.. Alexander's office and
she co nfirmed that she wrote it and is now overwhelmed with it spreading
via the internet. She sent it to several friends and they then put it on its journey...


The media won't say a word about this. I'm at the 8:00am service at my church, St. John's Episcopal, at Lafayette Square, across from the White House. (I wanted to go early because I was going with Alice and Brent for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Manassas). Much of the service was uneventful-nice, but uneventful-until it comes to the part of the service when the pastor says, "Greet one another in the name of the Lord." I turn to my right to exchange the peace with my friend, Amy Fox Smythe, who was on the other end of my pew. I then shake hands with the person in front of me, and turn around to say hello to the person behind me. The person behind me was our 43rd President George W. Bush. I am not kidding.

A small crowd was forming around him, and not wanting to delay the church service or bother him by waiting to shake his hand, I turned back around and sat down and talked to Amy. About 30 seconds later I felt a hand on my left shoulder and turn around to see President Bush with his hand extended. "Peace of the Lord, " he said and held my hand with both of his. "Peace of the Lord," I replied, and held both his hands and smiled at him. I turned back around and was remarkably calm about the fact that
the most powerful person in the world was sitting two feet behind me. I could hear him flipping through his bulletin as the priest made the announcements. I loved the idea of him thinking, "Oh, there's a covered dish next Sunday."

We perched and when I stood up to go to the communion rail, he got up and walked down the aisle behind me. We passed a little old lady who said, "Mr. President, I pray for you every day." To which he said, "That's a very special gift. Thank you so much."

We got to the communion rail and there were two spaces, one in front of us and one around the side of the altar. We both surmised for ten seconds and then I started off around the
corner. He stopped me and whispered, "No, no. I'll go around" and motioned for me to take the closer spot. The only exception made in the entire service was that the President was allowed to leave first and then the rest of the congregation followed.

With all sincerity, and partisanship aside I tell you: This is a special man! There is a peace and Godliness about him. It radiates from him. It is the only reason that I was able to remain calm. It was more than the adrenaline I've felt when I've met other famous people. A goodness flows through this man. He has more than my vote in November. He has my respect, my prayers, and my gratitude. Whatever your political affiliation, and whether or not you agree with his decisions, you should
take comfort in the fact that-despite recent press attacks-this is a man of integrity who makes decisions because he believes they are RIGHT, not popular. He makes these decisions with a heavy heart and through prayer.

I don't mean to go on, and on, but I truly believe this was a blessing from God that should be passed on.

Laura Lefler
Office of Senator Lamar Alexander
302 Hart Senate Office Building
202-224-4944
Fax: 202-228-3398

"What You Accept, You Teach. The choices you make impact your life, the
lives of those you touch."

[All Boys]

Oh I forgot to say that anyone that wants to can copy and paste this to an e-mail and send it on to everyone in you address book.... LOL ! !

[Crane13]

Thank you for sharing that.

Jill

[mj77]

At the church we used to attend, there was a man who worked with John Ashcroft (Attorney General) who is also a faithful and prayerful man of God. The man I am refering to has spent time having morning prayer and I wasn't sure if there was a bible study too or reading from the Word (want to be careful not to assume here). It is very comforting that we have a President with humility to come before God in prayer. Thanks AllBoys for sharing that. It is encouraging that he keeps his faith even in the position he is in.

[All Boys]

Glad you enjoyed this......
I know it is comporting to me to know that our president goes to church and prays....
And I am not ashamed to stand up and say that on Election day he will be getting my vote...

[blueyes113]

He'll be getting my vote too!

[mj77]

Oh, I a so glad I am not the only one on this site that has some concervative beliefs . Though I may not agree entirely with either candidate, however, I admire that Bush is firm in his faith in Christ publicly (there are other reasons I choose to vote for him too of course ).

[Crane13]

He has got my vote too

Jill

[lisa in venice]

Well the Catholic running this year has my vote because I believe there is more to faith than professing it.

lisa

[mj77]

That's why I choose to vote for Bush. I didn't mean to make it sound like it's just his faith that makes me want to vote for him. I agree the actions of faith have to follow their profesion. I have seen and heard much of that as well. I don't agree with Bush on all policies, but just enough of them to concider him the best in my mind and heart for the job.

Thank God we live in a country where we have the freedom to vote regardless of how we as a nation are divided with beliefs.

[All Boys]

Amen Melissa,
That is one of the great things about The United States of America... We have the oppurtunity to display freely our beliefs and Faith in God.... And we have the chance to vote on who we believe will be the best leader for our Great Country....

God Bless All,
Gina

[sherryk]

Thank you for sharing! I sent this to a bunch of people from my address book!

Blessings,
sherryk

[All Boys]

That is great....
I am so glad that you all are enjoying it....

[mj77]

Hey Gina! Anyway, this seems to be a bit more of a peaceful thread. I would much rather focus on the positive directions our country has been moving. The bible tells us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. I know not every Christian supports Bush, and I certainly don't think he's perfect, but I know he prays and is open to what the Lord would have him hear. I know there is a God who is the same yesterday today and tomorrow. I know what His Word says about some of the major issues and regardless of what some pockets of our society feel is "right" I serve a God who I know I will stand before one day and have to answer to for how I have chosen to live. I do believe in eternal life. Anyway, I had to vent here as I am sad for those who are not diserning about what the Word says is right. This isn't about Bush, this is about what direction our nation is headed. Will our nation be like Sodom and Gomorrah?

[lisa in venice]

Let me get this straight (and maybe I am more than a little sensitive now but)Bush= the right direction and any other alternative....lets say Kerry= Sodom and Gomorrah? Great!!

Not all christians believe that same way and not all progressives are unbelievers. For some of us it is our belief that leads us to follow those who look out for the those who give a voice to the Samaratians, who have policies that embrace and empower the less fortunate.

lisa