Rep. Robert Pittenger
by: Congressman Robert Pittenger
In addition to enjoying delicious food, watching football, and sharing old memories with family, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon the things for which we are thankful. The Lord has blessed me, and I recognize I have much for which to be grateful.
Our nation once again experienced the freedom to select our national and state leadership. Margaret Thatcher once said, “Europe was created by history. America was created by philosophy.” In describing this philosophy, President Ronald Reagan elaborated, “in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people. We sometimes forget that great truth, and we never should.”
While we don’t all agree on every issue, I thank God for having been born in America, where our shared values and philosophy guarantee all citizens the right to have their voices heard.
As well, I am grateful for the service men and women who stand throughout the world to protect these rights, freedoms, and liberties. Willingly putting their lives in harm’s way, many of these men and women will be away from their families and homes during the holiday season. As we gather with our own loved ones, let us not forget the men and women serving in uniform and pray for their safety.
Serving as your Member in Congress, I have also been blessed with an extraordinary staff of dedicated professionals. Every day, my staff assists constituents with problems navigating the federal bureaucracy and questions about policy. Should you need assistance, or have questions about current issues in Washington, please don’t hesitate to call my office.
Any list of my blessings would be woefully incomplete without my wife and family. Public service can be especially demanding on spouses and children. Enduring significant stress and pressure stemming from my public service, my family has always provided steadfast support. And for that, I am extremely grateful.
The right choice and easy choice don’t always align in politics, so I am also thankful for my hardworking, patriotic colleagues in Congress who want to do the right thing for this country and are willing to take the hits which sometimes come along with those choices.
As I travel throughout the world in my efforts to intercept terror financing and prevent the advance of ISIS and other Islamic terrorists, I am grateful that the American people recognize America is the leader of the free world and that we must stand tall for liberty. Earlier this week, I returned from Latin America where I hosted a major international forum for Members of Parliament and other government officials regarding joint efforts to prevent terrorism financing activity.
This meeting was a milestone in our efforts to collaborate with South American governments and work toward our common goals of defeating Islamic jihad.
Finally, above all I am grateful God has allowed me to know him through Jesus Christ, who favors my life with His faithfulness in spite of my limitations. King David writes in Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.”
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