[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 20]
[Senate]
[Pages 26683-26684]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK 2009

  Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I am honored to serve as the 
congressional cochairman of National Bible Week 2009. National Bible 
Week, which will be held from November 22 to 29, was created to 
underscore the importance of regular Bible study and scripture reading. 
The Bible is the word of God. I know that many of us could not face the 
challenges, stress, and heavy burden of serving during this critical 
time for our country, if it were not for the daily guidance God 
provides us through scripture--and for those of us in the Catholic 
faith, reception of the Blessed Sacrament. I believe that my colleagues 
and I need to pay special attention to the lessons the Bible teaches 
us, as we work together to make a difference for our country.
  The enormity of what confronts us makes it is easy to become 
frustrated, discouraged and tired. Thankfully, the Bible provides us 
with inspiration, strength, and wisdom to motivate us. Prominently 
displayed in my office is a picture showing an eagle soaring high in 
the sky. One of my favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 40:31 adorns the 
frame, it reads:

       Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They 
     will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow 
     weary, they will walk and not be faint.

  As I read those words so often, I am reminded that the Holy Spirit is 
always present and willing to inspire and help us. Isaiah reminds us 
that we can certainly try to tackle the big issues on our own, but that 
without the Holy Spirit by our side, the road will be long and arduous.
  My colleagues have often heard me express my desire to address the 
ballooning Federal deficit, to create an economic climate that is 
conducive to higher job-growth, and to improve the standard of living 
and quality of life of our children and grandchildren--undertakings 
that take much time and effort. Isaiah's message makes the importance 
and urgency of these undertakings no less daunting, but does reassure 
us that if we trust in the Holy Spirit, he will allow us to persevere.

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  I urge all Americans to celebrate National Bible Week to discover the 
lessons, inspiration and guidance that God's scripture provides for 
each of us.

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