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Remarks Delivered by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
National Day of Prayer
Washington, DC
Thursday, May 4, 2006
Thank you for that kind introduction, Dr. Dobson [James Dobson, Founder, Focus on the Family]. And I want to thank Mrs. Bright and everyone else who worked so hard to put together this magnificent day of prayer for our country and our leaders. Wasn't it wonderful to be at the White House this morning and hear the President's inspirational remarks?!
It is an honor to represent the executive branch at this event. And it is humbling — and deeply gratifying — to know that there are so many people praying for us.
These are difficult times for our country. America faces many challenges — both externally and internally. More than ever, our country and its leaders need the guidance that comes from communing with the source of all wisdom, our heavenly Father. The President, as a man of deep faith, knows this instinctively. He opens each cabinet meeting with a prayer. And he is not afraid to say that prayer guides his actions and his life.
I've noted throughout my own journey that the greatest leaders have a strong foundation of principles, combined with a strong faith in a power greater than themselves. Leaders who don't know what they stand for will be buffeted by all sides. And leaders who fail to acknowledge a power greater than themselves are like straws in the wind. As the Scriptures say, they will be "tossed by the waves and carried by the wind."
So today let me ask your prayers on behalf of those who serve in the executive branch of government. Pray that we may have the wisdom to know what is right, the strength to adhere to our principles, and the humility to remember that we are servants of the people.
Often, people come into public service with a zeal to take immediate action. But sometimes, it's not what you do — but what you refrain from doing — that is important. God give us the strength to resist the temptation to take the easy way out — to make the grand, but empty gesture. The path of least resistance is often the one that wins acclaim. But it ultimately fails the American people by abandoning the principles of good stewardship.
Help us to remember that, as public servants, there are consequences to every decision we make. Give us compassion. And help us remember that we were put in government for a higher purpose — to serve others, especially those who are most in need.
I hope in today's prayers you will also remember the family and loved ones of those who serve in government.
Public officials work long hours and make many sacrifices to serve their country. But their families make sacrifices, too. Pray that we never forget to show them how much we love them, and how much we appreciate the sacrifices they are making.
Prayer can make a big difference. I know because faith made a big difference for my own family.
As you can see, I'm an American of Asian descent. My parents grew up in war-torn China in the first half of the 20th Century.
My mother was sent to a boarding school run by missionaries, where she accepted the Lord, and met my father as both of them fled bloodshed and war. Her strong faith led him to the Lord and their faith sustained them in a chaotic and dangerous world.
Young and scared, these two believers fled the Communist takeover and landed in Taiwan. The grace of God helped them survive the chaos and make it to freedom.
My father came to America first, leaving his small family in Taiwan while he worked several jobs to save the money to bring us over.
I was eight years old when my family 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 challenging times was our church community.
The power of faith kept us going. It showed us 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. And the prayers of our friends and fellow believers strengthened us.
That is why I am so happy to be with you today, to once again be surrounded by the comforting presence of a prayerful community.
Prayer has brought many blessings upon my family and comforts us everyday.
So thank you for giving all of us who serve in the executive branch the most beautiful and the most powerful gift of all — your prayers.
God bless you. And God bless America.
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