In the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic death and multiple days of rioting and looting across America, I could think of no better person to join us on the Focus on the Family Broadcast today than my friend Senator Tim Scott (R-SC).
I’ve long felt a special connection with South Carolina’s junior senator, but not only because he is a fellow believer in Christ. We have something else in common. Growing up poor in the Palmetto State, Tim Scott never had a father in his life. His mom struggled to make ends meet, and the family moved around just to survive.
Like with my high school football coach, who took me under his wing, Senator Scott met a mentor who was a difference maker in ways large and small. After graduating from college, the Charleston native opened an insurance business before going into real estate. It’s an inspiring story of hard work, the positive influence of good friends – and an abiding Christian faith.
On today’s program, you’ll hear Senator Scott talk about his own faith journey as he shares about the centrality of Christ in his life.
“It does help to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and it’s one of the most important foundational truths that changes lives,” he said.
He went on to say that his faith transformed his life from despondency and disillusionment to one of purpose. He accepted Jesus at the tender age of 11 and recommitted his life at 17.
Scott’s mentor was a white man whose values complemented his mother’s, instilling in him the importance of prayer.
You’ll hear Senator Scott say that society is only positively transformed through the heart – and that it’s hard to hate someone when you’re breaking bread with them.
How often do we reach beyond our comfort zone and develop friendships with people who may have different histories and traditions?
But the erosion of the family unit is like a dry forest in the heat of summer. All it takes is one match to set it ablaze. I think that’s partly why we’re seeing so much unrest and anarchy in the wake of last week’s tragedy.
Of course it is right to be angry about a senseless death at the hands of those who are supposed to protect us, but rioting is never an acceptable response.
Where are the parents? What were these people who loot taught? Who has been influencing them? Who is holding them accountable now?
My heart breaks for the family of George Floyd. His life was violently cut short and I grieve his passing.
Please tune in to hear the full discussion. You’ll also hear on the program my friend and Focus on the Family board member, Pastor Al Pittman. He is man of strong conviction and insight.
“God calls us in the church to behave according to the principles of His kingdom so we’re not sucked down by that same vitriol and hatred that we see out in the streets,” he told me. He is absolutely correct.
It’s refreshing to welcome two of our nation’s finest leaders, and hear them speak so passionately about their personal faith.
“There’s no doubt that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life,” said Senator Scott. “And I will say this as a kid who experienced the American dream brought to me on the shoulders of a praying mother and a powerful mentor. You and I both have the same story that in this country, anyone from anywhere, at any time can rise to the level of Ephesians 3:20 and 21 and [believe] that, ‘God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or imagine.’ Let’s just get to it.”
Please click here to listen to the program.
Photo by Gage Skidmore
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