Visiting Capitol Hil

On Monday this last week I went up to Washington, DC to speak at two Teas for Senator’s wives and Senate staff.    I had been invited by the Senate Chaplain’s office. We left early Monday to be sure to get here in  time and allow for traffic. There was basically no traffic so we got there in plenty of time.

I want to share photos and memories of a very special time.

My friend, formally of Fox News, is now Senator Session’s (R-Alabama) press secretary, Sarah, and she met us, with the Chaplain’s Chief of Staff, Alan Keiran as we parked. I had brought 100 copies of my book, Fear Not Tomorrow, to give as gifts to the ladies and he was kind enough to help us get them through security and up to the dining area.

Since we had a bit of time we were allowed to look around – guided, of course, and were taken into Minority Whip, Mitch McConnell’s office – he has a balcony overlooking DC. He was not there – the boys enjoyed sitting behind his desk and acting “official” . We went down to the dining room to meet and greet. Mary Sessions was one of the Tea sponsors and is such a gracious, warm person. She and I both have a grandson with special needs. I have been praying for her grandson, Jim Beau, as she has prayed for Payson. We have a bond. The ladies were more than attentive as I talked about the principles we need – that God gives – as we go through uncertain times. I ended on time (whew!) and had time to take a few questions.

(The above photo shows my 3 sons by marriage, Krister, Kristain and Liam, my husband, Senator Sessions and me.)

A very nice gentleman was sitting at a front table taking notes. He looked quite important and put together. Turns out he was the Senate Chaplain! Barry Black.  I was so impressed by him. He is very humble and very personable.

They left and soon another group was filing in and we did it all over again. Greg and the boys went to the cafeteria and got to go on the Senate floor. I went from the tea to Senator Sessions office. What a gracious man! Very comfortable to talk to. Greg and the boys soon joined us. We talked about the need for absolutes – we are infected with humanistic relativism. He is concerned about the new Supreme Court Justice nominee. We also talked about pro-life issues.

We went back to the chaplain’s office to say goodbye. He and his wife, Brenda, are so very gracious. How happy I am to know there is such a man and woman in that office. They follow a great tradition and do it to the glory of God. He gave me a copy of his book, From the Hood to the Hill. Had I read it beforehand, I would have been so intimidated by all of his accomplishments and intelligence. But he does not wear them on his sleeve – there is no arrogance just a humble heart wanting to show Christ to the men and women on Capital Hill. The highlight for me, was when he prayed for me, for my ministry.

(The photo to the right shows Brenda Black, my husband, Greg, Chaplain Black and me.)

We left there in time for an interview with AP radio. It was a good interview but when it was all said and done they did not pick up the story why I was on Capital Hill or my ministry. The story they ran was that Daddy is wanting to preach again!

It was a tiring day but one I will treasure for years to come.

(The photo below shows me talking with Seantor Sessions in his office.)

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