During Tuesday’s press briefing at the White House, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on CBN’s Kelly Wright, who happened to be sitting in the last row in the West Wing room.
“You’ve had a deep faith for God and country,” Wright began. “What is your hope for America at a time such as this?”
As we’ve previously chronicled, Secretary Rubio professes a strong faith in Jesus Christ. Though navigating an unconventional faith journey that’s taken him from being a cradle Catholic to attending a Mormon church as a child, to simultaneously worshipping at an evangelical megachurch and Catholic parish, the former Florida senator has been clear about what he believes spiritually.
He recently declared, “And because He [Jesus] took on that death, because He carried that cross, we were freed from the sin that separated us from Him. And when He returns, there will be a new heaven and a new earth, and we will all be together, and we are going to have a great reunion there again.”
Filling in for regular White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave, the Secretary of State fielded questions for an hour – including the one from Kelly Wright.
“My hope for America?” Secretary Rubio responded. “It’s the same as it’s always been. I think it’s the hope we all share. We want it to continue to be the place where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything — where you’re not limited by the circumstances of your birth, the color of your skin, or your ethnicity.”
Secretary Rubio’s parents emigrated from Cuba in the throes of Fidel Castro’s takeover, so President Trump’s principal advisor on foreign policy is uniquely equipped and trained to champion the strength of the American melting pot. While serving as a public servant, Mr. Rubio has spoken lovingly and inspirationally about the many distinctives of the United States – especially its openness to welcome individuals who come here legally to chase the dream of a better life.
“Frankly, [America] is a place where you are able to overcome challenges and achieve your full potential. I think that should be the goal of every country in the world.”
He then acknowledged that our country hasn’t always lived up to those ideals.
“But I think in the U.S., we’re not perfect,” he said. “Our history is not one of perfection, but it’s still better than anybody else’s history … It is a unique and exceptional country.”
It’s that tempered but nevertheless sunny take on America that stands in stark contrast to those who seem to relish running down the country and diminishing its uniqueness, not just currently, but in the broader history of the world.
Anticipation and excitement are building just ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebration this July 4th. Focus on the Family is partnering with “Freedom 250,” an official U.S. government-led initiative that will be coordinating festivities. The ministry is joining a wide array of organizations including our friends at K-LOVE and Prager U, along with companies such as Exxon Mobil and United Airlines.
In fact, Freedom 250 will be streaming for free 16 patriotically themed episodes of Focus on the Family’s “Adventures in Odyssey” radio program for families to enjoy. The hope is this partnership will help introduce the whole “Odyssey” gang to an audience previously unfamiliar with the award-winning, faith-based children’s audio program.
“We welcome the opportunity to serve this moment by providing free streaming access to several of our world-class family audio dramas,” Focus on the Family President Jim Daly said. “These cinematic, family-friendly series bring the acts of courage, faith and founding ideals of America to life during the 250th celebration through the power of storytelling.
“It is our prayer that by participating in Freedom 250,” Daly added, “we will help Americans recall and reflect upon their heritage, become inspired by the valor and courage of great Americans who came before them and fortify their love for America through the lens of faith and patriotism.”
On Tuesday, Secretary Rubio acknowledged that Americans enjoy a rich history that’s only amplified and magnified by those willing to study and reflect on our nation’s past.
“I think we have a lot to learn and be proud of in our history,” he told reporters. “It is one of perpetual and continuous improvement, where each generation has done its part to bring us closer to fulfilling the vision that the founders of this country had upon its founding.”
The post Secretary Marco Rubio and the Hope of America appeared first on Daily Citizen.
Daily Citizen