[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 50 (Thursday, March 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SECURING BLESSINGS OF PROVIDENCE FOR PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES AND 
                            OUR ARMED FORCES

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                               speech of

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2003

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 153 will undoubtedly 
pass this morning. Many members, having read the summary, are probably 
uneasy because the resolution asks Americans to pray on behalf of the 
American Armed Forces and people--not for the British soldiers dying in 
the desert, nor for the Iraqi mothers searching for their children in 
the flames, nor for the countless others who need the blessings of 
Providence. I know I feel uneasy about the narrowness of the 
resolution.
  However, I want to urge my colleagues to read and take seriously the 
entire resolution. I especially urge them to read the section which 
says:
  ``Whereas through prayer, fasting, and self-reflection, we may better 
recognize our own faults and shortcomings and submit to the wisdom and 
love of God in order that we may have guidance and strength in those 
daily actions and decisions we must take;''
  I urge my colleagues to take seriously the admonishment to remember 
that we, as individuals and as a nation, have faults and shortcomings. 
We are not, as individuals or as a nation, lords of this earth. We must 
do our best with imperfect knowledge and imperfect wisdom, never 
assuming we act on God's behalf.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to recall I Corinthians, 13:11-12:
  ``For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now I 
know in part, but then I shall know even as I am known.''

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