Miracles continue to happen in this modern world, and U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise from Louisiana testifies to that.
Beating the odds, he just returned to his job after being seriously injured in a shooting that occurred on June 14 at a baseball game near Washington, D.C.
Scalise was practicing on the field that morning along with fellow Republicans as they got ready for an annual game against Democrats. The practice came to a quick and traumatizing close when a radicalized gunman opened fire, and Scalise was one of the victims. He was down on the baseball field after being shot in the hip. The bullet entered his body and damaged his internal organs.
Now, the Congressman is returning to work and sharing his faith-driven road to recovery.
“It Starts With God”
Scalise, the 51-year-old Majority Whip, simply stated upon his return to Congress, “it starts with God.” Immediately after he was injured, he started praying while down on the baseball field. He says that as a result, he sensed “an unbelievable sense of calm, knowing at that point that it was in God’s hands.”
“I’m definitely a living example that miracles really do happen,”Scalise went on to say upon his return to Washington, D.C. “Pretty much every one of my prayers were answered, and they were some pretty challenging prayers I was putting in God’s hands.He really did deliver for me and my family. It just gives you that renewed faith in understanding that the power of prayer is something you just can’t underestimate.”
Gratitude for People’s Goodness
In addition to first and foremost thanking God for his miraculous recovery, Scalise thanked several people who had been instrumental in the outcome of the situation that had appeared so dire.
In particular, he expressed gratitude to Crystal Griner and David Bailey, Capitol Police officers who were part of his security detail. He also revealed that he had prayed for them at the time of the incident.
“One of the things I prayed for is that David and Crystal would be successful in carrying out their duties,” he said. “David, you are my hero. you saved my life, thank you very much.”
Little Miracles Along the Way
Scalise also said various “little miracles” took place that contributed to the larger miracle of his survival and recovery. For example, Rep. Brad Wenstrup, who is a doctor in addition to being a lawmaker, just happened to be on the baseball field during Scalise’s hour of need. But with God there are no accidents, so it was no coincidence that the right people showed up at just the perfect time.
It was heartening to Scalise when events turned the way they did.
“It strengthened my faith in God,” he said.
Scalise also acknowledged how encouraging it was that God had placed key people in his path and that those people stepped up and helped when and where they were needed. All of this demonstrated to Scalise something important about “the goodness in people.”
Focusing on What Is Important
Scalise showed his optimistic outlook by acknowledging that although the shooting was “a tragic and evil act,” he focuses on remembreing the “thousands of good acts and kindness.”
The return of Scalise was a chance for all members of Congress to acknowledge a positive event in a bipartisan way. In keeping with that tone, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi had a few words for Scalise after he spoke.
“Thank God our prayers were answered,” she said. “We all came through this magnificently because of your strength. God bless you.”
It is wonderful that Scalise is such a shining light as he serves in Congress and as he boldly speaks about God’s love and care. Let’s hope and pray that Scalise continues to make a complete recovery from the injuries he endured.
Scalise’s experience brings to mind the well-known encouragement from Romans 8:28:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
~ 1776 Christian
