Jeb Bush received numerous blessings from community members during a Tuesday morning service to jumpstart his second term as Florida’s governor.
Hundreds came together yesterday to participate in the 2003 Governor’s Inaugural Prayer Breakfast held at Gaither Gymnasium.
FAMU became the first university in Florida to hold a prayer breakfast for a two-term republican governor, a historic event for both the governor and the university, .
“We are pleased that this event was held on our ‘great and legendary’ campus,” President Gainous said in his welcome remarks. “Gov. Bush recognizes the value of education and the value of our children, and it is an honor to be a part of this historic occasion.”
Holding on to the theme of “Gratitude and Hope”, many watched on and listened to selections performed by the Blind Boys of Alabama, the University Choir and Band and listened to prayers that were offered by clergies of various faiths. Everyone seemed to be tickled by Monsignor Jude O’ Doherty from Epiphany Church in Miami when he delivered the invocation.
“When I came here four years ago to the Governor’s Inaugural Breakfast I didn’t stop praying,” Doherty said. “How else did you think he got reelected?”
An inspiring and uplifting service, the audience was deeply moved by the band’s performance of “Order my Steps” that featured a dynamic soloist and had many on the verge of tears. Jeb Bush was grateful for the university serving as host for the prayer breakfast and encouraged those in attendance to “invest in such a great university.”
“This is a calling, not a career,” Gov. Bush said. “The best way to learn is to shut up and listen. It is humbling to realize that all good things come from God. Every good and perfect thing comes from above.”
The student turnout was low, due mainly to classes and late registration; however, those in attendance had something to take with them.
“It was very inspiring,” said Marcus Scott, 21, a senior, music education student from Atlanta. “It was nice to see that everybody knows that God is still in control and that we’re still one nation under God and not over God.”