Political Quotes

“Mr. President, just as a building needs a foundation, every community needs pillars--people who provide strength, inspiration, guidance, and leadership, people to rally around in tough times. Today, the city of Flint, MI, is missing one of its pillars. Bishop Odis Floyd of New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church died this week at the age of 71 after a long illness. For more than four decades, he was the spiritual leader of the church he helped his grandfather found. At an imposing 6-foot-6, with a powerful preaching and singing voice, he became known around the country for his stirring sermons and appeared on a number of gospel music albums. Whether in quiet conversation with a church member or in powerful preaching from the pulpit, he was a spiritual giant. His faith taught him to reach out beyond his church, not just with spiritual guidance but to lend a hand to those in need. The church's charitable and outreach efforts under his leadership have had an enormous impact. They include programs to provide a safe and welcoming place for children; educational efforts; assistance to those who need medical care, food, and clothing; counseling and social work services, and much more. Bishop Floyd also was a valued adviser to business and community leaders in Flint, in Michigan, and beyond. I was fortunate to visit with him on many occasions, and I valued those visits for his knowledge of the community and the quality of his counsel.…”