As the Guard Changes
The 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, was born on July 6, 1946.
He spent his youth growing up in Texas. Bush was elected Governor of Texas on November 8, 1994. He is married to Laura Welch Bush, a former teacher and librarian, and they have twin daughters.
Once, after President Bush met with the Macedonian President in the White House, Bush invited his guest into his private study. There, the two men knelt side by side in silent prayer. White House aides didn’t mention that devotional interlude when they described the Macedonian President’s visit to the press.
Religion infuses the president’s daily life. He starts every day on his knees, praying. He reads the Bible each morning and studies a daily Bible lesson.
He often asks a Cabinet secretary to lead a prayer at the beginning of Cabinet meetings. He says he frequently prays in the Oval Office. He sometimes prays on the phone with a minister friend who lived in Houston.
Bush’s family, friends and longtime aides say faith helped him quit drinking, find his vocation in politics and check his fiery temper. He says it has made him more humble and tolerant.
Religion has been central to Bush’s life since 1985, when he had a pivotal conversation with Rev. Billy Graham. At the time, Bush was in his late 30s, hard-partying and unfocused.
He did not take his religion seriously. Graham questioned him about his commitment to his faith, Bush wrote in his autobiography, A Charge to Keep, and “planted the seed of faith in my heart…It was the beginning of a new walk where I would recommit my heart to Jesus Christ.”
We may not always agree with our leaders, but we must respect their position and pray for them daily. Thank you, President Bush, for your service to our country.