Before the attack on America, critics questioned President Bush's ability to lead. Now all that's changed, and many observers are saying the commander in chief's faith has made the difference.
President Bush is now being compared to Churchill and Roosevelt by the same people who wondered if he had the “right stuff.” Richard Cizik, of the National Association of Evangelicals, credits Bush's faith for helping him through the transition.
“As you look at this change in the man, you can't help but believe that his own personal faith, and the encouragement that he's received from people of faith, is what is helping give this man . . . an entirely different appearance before . . . the national public and the world,” Cizik said.
While Bush does not reveal who his spiritual advisers are, Cizik pointed out that the president does not hesitate to single out at least one of them: first lady Laura Bush.
“She clearly is a woman of faith, and she is an influence upon him in this direction and I think it's wonderful.”
H.B. London, vice president of ministry outreach for Focus on the Family, said the world is taking notice of the president's sense of peace in the midst of war.
“I think we're better able to face the tragedy and attack in New York and Washington, D.C., because we see a president who's calm because of his dependence upon God,” he said.
London, who joined Bush in the White House during the National Day of Prayer earlier this year, knows firsthand about the president's faith factor.
“He does begin every day with God, and he does have an active faith and he practices his faith.”
London said when the president thanks someone for his or her prayers, he always directs the blessings toward America. He added that when it comes to facing tragedy, Bush doesn't just reach into a “grab bag” for a way to handle the situation. Instead, he said the president's peace under pressure clearly comes from his daily commitment to Christ.
