[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 159 (Thursday, November 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2355]]
                         TRIBUTE TO LAURA SMART

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY DICKEY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 10, 1999

  Mr. DICKEY. Mr. Speaker, back in 1997 I attended a Little League 
event and heard an opening prayer that was remarkable. It was given by 
Laura Smart of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, my hometown. She and her husband, 
Lee, were the parents of one of the players. The prayer has become even 
more remarkable since so much attention has been given across the 
nation to schoolchildren and their relationship with their parents. I 
would like to share this prayer with the rest of the nation by placing 
it in the Congressional Record:

       Dear Lord,
       Shine your Heavenly Light on us here tonight at this happy 
     event celebrating our American League players, our coaches 
     and our parents. Guide us in learning from thoughts and 
     memories of years passed that will be shared through our 
     speakers in these times of laughter and sadness, excitements 
     and disappointments, and wins or losses. Only you, Lord, can 
     help all of us to focus and prioritize your teachings in the 
     real games of life knowing that Love for the children must 
     remain. Bless us as we depart this event to bring a stronger 
     light to others and to brighten the future by learning from 
     mistakes, celebrating the greatness of good times, but using 
     both as a ministry to all people and in your Honor, your 
     Glory, and in your Name. We are so blessed to be able to 
     watch our players run with two legs, hit with two arms, catch 
     with two eyes and hear with two ears. For God's sakes make us 
     realize when our own priorities get away from us that not all 
     children can be on teams to have a chance to physically and 
     mentally play. We are so blessed Dear God--in God's name we 
     pray.--Written by Laura Smart, 1997.

     

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