How’s Your Faith?

I arrived at Washington Reagan National Airport Tuesday afternoon as I have so many times over the past ten years. As I landed, I looked out onto the Potomac and could still see evidence of the ongoing the investigation into the air disaster from three weeks ago. Assets were still in water and on the ground.

Snow was falling as I walked along the snow-covered sidewalk from my hotel to the Cannon Building, where I began delivering my notes of encouragement to congressional offices. It was late in the day, but offices were still open. I paused on the third floor of the Cannon rotunda to capture a picture of the Capitol through the grey skies.

After making deliveries, I had dinner at the Capitol Hill Club near my hotel. I found myself surrounded by members of Congress and lobbyist advocating for various issues and legislation. As I turned in for the night, snow was still falling outside.

On Wednesday morning, I started my day initiating the process of renewing my ID which I need to do each year. This ID allows me access to the Capitol and use the tunnels and trams connecting all the buildings. I am blessed that a member of Congress has granted me this privilege to have a badge through his office.

While not as busy as many of my trips, there were countless uniformed firefighters and individuals in white lab coats in the halls hoping for a few moments with their representative or members of their staff.

Some offices were closed due to the snow. Having grown up in Indiana and Ohio, snow is not a big deal to me but a real concern for many in the DC area.

As I entered the office of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Greene, the door to her office was closed. Her staffer explained that she was discussing the hearing that she would be chairing later that morning on the Department of Government Efficiency. It was expected to be a lively hearing.

Wednesday morning, I learned that the Republican budget text was out. The staffer of a Republican leader thought that the Senate would win out and actually do two bills. But this staffer was not sure that the House Republicans would be on the same page to approve the budget.

Later that day while sitting in the office of a representative, his staffer entered the office with the text of the budget proposal. I was able to be part of their discussion. This representative was not optimistic about the bill nor its ability to pass in the House.

People often ask what kind of a reception I receive on the Hill. It is overwhelmingly positive.  Staffers from both sides of the aisle will greet me warmly but occasionally, I do encounter some apathy or negativity. As I entered one office, I handed my note to a young staffer who had seen my notes countless times before, I said, “This is for Representative (name). With a rather dismissive look the young girl said, “Yep.” I found her response to be unprofessional and rude, but everyone needs grace. My approach continues to be to love people until they ask why.

I receive no warmer greetings than from the scheduler in Maxine Waters’ office. The scheduler shared how she had been fielding negative calls all morning about Representative Waters and her recent comments about Elon Musk and DOGE.  I was able to be a listening ear for a few moments. If you don’t think Representative Waters needs prayer, think again.  I’ve had the opportunity to engage with her countless times.

Entering one office I found the representative with his Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff. They greeted me warmly. As I handed my note to the representative, I asked, “How’s your faith.” He responded, “Strong.”

Our Wednesday evening worship services will start in a few weeks, so I took advantage of the evening to have dinner with three young men who have worked on Capitol Hill. One is now in the private sector and the other two are awaiting word about jobs back in the White House. While I’ve learned quite a bit about how things work in Washington, DC, these young men were discussing how things work as it pertains to employment at a level I had not experienced. They understand the system and how it works. These two young men have been waiting for four years to step back into jobs in the Republican White House and they hope to hear something soon. There are thousands of people like them who try waiting it out when a new administration takes control.

They also made it clear that the Trump administration wanted nothing to do with employees who might have worked with RINOs (Republicans in name only). Having the names of certain people on your resume could be the kiss of death. Those who work in government in Washington, DC are a small community. Before leaving dinner with these young men, I prayed for each of them and reminded them that I was just trying to move them closer to Jesus.

I’ll be returning to the Hill in a few weeks. Pray for our nation. Pray for our leaders. Pray for truth to reign.

God bless.

Steve