Faith, Family, Friends, Country

  George Herbert Walker Bush

June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018

President of the United States 1989-1993

Vice President of the United States 1981-1989

Director of Central Intelligence 1976-1977

Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office

to the People’s Republic of China 1974-1975

Ambassador to the United Nations 1971-1973

United States House of Representatives 1967-1971

Yale University, B.A. 1948

United States Navy 1942-1945

Follower of Jesus

Husband to Barbara for 73+ years

Father of George, Jeb, Robin, Neil, Dorothy, Marvin

Grandfather

Great-grandfather

This week, people from around the world have spoken and written endearing tributes of remembrance, respect, and admiration about President George H. W. Bush, a man who lived his life well through his love, selflessness, compassion, humility, words, actions, integrity, humor, and service.  There have been and will continue to be volumes written of the contributions George H. W. Bush made to make America a kinder and gentler nation.  President Bush will also be remembered for the ways he gave of his time and attention to others.  It is amazing to see the number of people who have posted letters/notes/cards written to them by President Bush or had a picture made with him.  Our son, Brad, was a recipient as well.   

Former President Bush with TAMU

Corps of Cadets Outstanding Recruiting Units

March 22, 2004

While Brad was a student at Texas A&M University, he met us and toured us through the George H. W. Bush Library.  The exhibits were well documented with pictures, writings, and recordings on Bush noting family, friends, service, business, and politics.  After seeing the displays of his achievements, triumphs, and successes, I was intrigued by a quote that was written in large letters on a wall in response to an interviewer’s question.  When asked what he considered to be his greatest accomplishment, President Bush quickly replied, “That my children still come home.”

Some philosophies of life shared at George H. W. Bush’s funeral:

“Those who travel the high road of humility are not bothered by heavy traffic.”

“Hatred erodes the container it’s carried in.”

“The goal is to die young as late as possible.”

“Humor is a solvent against the abrasive elements of life.”

Words continue to make an impact and impression.  A few notable quotes from George H. W. Bush:

When speaking for the first time as president, George Bush spoke of “leading with humility, moral principles, and a spirit of unity.”  He also said that “Deep successes are made not of gold and silk but of better hearts and finer souls.”

“America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle.  We as a people have such a purpose today.  It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.”

“There is a God and He is good, and his love, while free, has a self-imposed cost: We must be good to one another.”

“I take as my guide the hope of a saint:

in crucial things, unity -

in important things, diversity –

in all things, generosity.”

“I have opinions of my own – strong opinions – but I don’t always agree with them.”

“Think about every problem, every challenge, we face.  The solution to each starts with education.”

“There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people.”

“Be strong, be kind, be generous of spirit, be understanding and let people know how grateful you are.  Don’t get even.  Comfort the ones I’ve hurt and let down.  Say your prayers and ask for God’s understanding and strength. Finish with a smile and some gusto and do what’s right and finish strong.”

“A volunteer is a person who can see what others cannot see; who can feel what most do not feel.  Often, such gifted persons do not think of themselves as volunteers, but as citizens – citizens in the fullest sense: partners in civilization.”

“The American Dream means giving it your all, trying your hardest, accomplishing something.  And then I’d add to that, giving something back.  No definition of a successful life can do anything but include serving others.”

“I do not mistrust the future; I do not fear what is ahead.  For our problems are large, but our heart is larger.”

“No problem of human making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit.”

“Be bold in your caring, be bold in your dreaming and above all else, always do your best.”

Don’t confuse being ‘soft’ with seeing the other guy’s point of view.”

 “We are not the sum of our possessions.”

“Choose character over pedigree.”

“The old ideas are new again because they’re not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.”

“I have climbed perhaps the highest mountain in the world, but even that cannot hold a candle to being Barbara’s husband.”

“You get to be 88, you were president of the United States and now you’re known for your socks.”

“…My advice to young people might be as follows:

(And good advice for us older people, too.)

1. Don’t get down when your life takes a bad turn.  Out of adversity comes challenge and often success.

2. Don’t blame others for your setbacks.

3. When things go well, always give credit to others.

4. Don’t talk all the time. Listen to your friends and mentors and learn from them.

5. Don’t brag about yourself.  Let others point out your virtues, your strong points.

6. Give someone else a hand.  When a friend is hurting, show that friend you care.

7. Nobody likes an overbearing big shot.

8. As you succeed, be kind to people.  Thank those who help you along the way.

9. Don’t be afraid to shed a tear when your heart is broken because a friend is hurting.

10. Say your prayers!!”

Last week, George Bush #43 was called with the news that his father was in his last few moments of life.  Knowing he would not make it to Houston in time, he asked that the phone be held up to his father’s ear so he could talk to him.  He was informed that his father had not spoken or communicated much that day.  After speaking words of gratitude and appreciation, George told his father, “You were a great father and I love you!”  President #41 responded, “I love you, too!”  Those were his final words on earth.

Much has been said and noted during these days about President Bush #41 being the last of the “Greatest Generation” presidents.  Some have implied that the actions and spirit of past years are now gone as well.  Instead of extinguishing the fire of cooperation and greatness, may what we have seen, heard, witnessed, and been encouraged and challenged by during these days of remembrances be the spark that ignites the flame for years and generations to come.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.

Psalm 116:15

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Timothy 2:1-2