I know many people have a strong “doomsday” attitude towards “the government.” From afar, I think people can get caught up in that label and understand it as a supreme power out-of-control, and relentlessly doing exactly what the people don’t want. I used to have this same perspective until I saw the faces of the government for myself. Recently, I visited Washington D. C. with Baylor and Texas hunger Initiative, and was given the opportunity to meet with many influential leaders in Washington including an advisor to the President, Congressmen, their staff, and leaders within nonprofits centralized in Washington.

One special person we met with was Melissa Rogers who is the Director of Faith Based Initiatives and a Baylor alumnus (Sic ‘em). (Source:huffingtonpost.com)

Because she reports directly to President Obama, we were able to ask her about what he was really like, how he approached problems, etc. The most memorable thing about what she said was the amount of respect and adoration she had for him as a person. She told us “He always asks about the negative outcomes of decisions before he makes them. ‘What will people say if I do this?’” She mentioned how he really does try to do his best and that he approaches his decision making with a good heart.

(Source:plus.google.com)

Another influential meeting we had was with Senator Cornyn of Texas, and he flat-out poured his heart out to us. I didn’t just like him because he was familiar with Baylor. When one student asked what his worries were regarding the power he has as not only a legislator, but chair of the agriculture committee, he said that he was afraid that there will be a decision that God wants him to make, and he won’t hear Him or make the wrong decision.

He explained how he is founded in Christian values and is just trying to make the right decisions for the good of everyone. The look in his eyes when he said that moved me and helped me see that my values are represented well in Washington.

After seeing the people of the government, I am reminded of the true humanness that is present there. These are not demi-gods who speak accompanied with thunder and booming voices. These are just American people. He and other government officials are really trying their hardest to make the right decisions to help the people of the United States. Sometimes, they are detrimentally incorrect through their statements or speak with the wrong connotations, but these people are really trying and have good intentions. I think it is important to showcase government officials in this light because the media thrives on trash-talking our government officials because it gets people fired up and gets better ratings. So, next time you are watching the news and hear about Senators or members of the Obama Administration, remember that there are very qualified, smart, caring people in these positions. You may not agree with their values and decisions, and they may make mistakes, but know that they are trying their hardest to promote Americans' right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”