Speeches by Secretary Elaine L. Chao
Archived Speech — Caution: Information may be out of date.
Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
National Prayer Breakfast
Washington , D.C.
Thursday, February 3, 2005
Mr. President, First Lady, my fellow Cabinet members, leaders of the Senate and the House, my wonderful husband, Senator Mitch McConnell, brothers and sisters in faith, and friends and fellow sojourners in the journey of life. We're all here because we believe in the power of faith.
I'm sure we have all seen personal examples of faith at work or the power of faith in our own lives. We all believe in a Higher Being. And it is this belief in a Higher Being that shows us that the powerful and the mighty can be transformed; indeed, that the power of faith itself is transformational.
I remember when I was eight years old, my family and I came to America. We didn't speak English. We didn't know anyone. We had no family or friends nearby. We were fearful of so many things in this new country. What sustained us and gave us hope and encouragement during those difficult times was our church community and the power of faith. The power of faith kept us going. It showed us that we had a chance to survive in this new country, which seemed so just and had such generous and wonderful people. Faith gave us confidence that there could be a better tomorrow.
In this room full of leaders - leaders not only from the United States, but throughout the world - I ask you to please join me in this prayer.
Let us pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, we are deeply grateful for the many blessings that You have given us, especially the gift of freedom. This week, we are reminded once again of the power of this precious gift to liberate the human spirit, bring hope to the oppressed and heal those who have suffered. Help us to never forget those who are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice to proclaim and protect liberty, which comes from You. And bless President Bush, the First Lady, Vice President Cheney, the leaders gathered here and all those who love freedom throughout the world and seek to do Your will.
Lord, as we go about our daily lives, help us also to look beyond ourselves and to listen to Your voice. Teach us to know the difference between what we want and what You want, and to trust that You will never ask of us more than we can do. You have called upon each one of us to serve others in a special way. Help us to make wise decisions for the common good. And help us to understand that every act of kindness, no matter how small, is equally worth doing because it is a reflection of You. And this is the best and truest way to bear witness to Your love and to thank You for all we have been given.
In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
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Archived Speech — Caution: Information may be out of date.
