Easter typically falls during a beautiful time of year, a season of new life all around us. In Southside Virginia, that means green everything — including pollen! Flowers are beginning to bloom, grass is lush, trees are budding, and the days are getting warmer and longer. It is a time of new life everywhere you look.

For me, Easter is the most profound and emotional time of year. Each year, I read the biblical account of what Jesus endured on that Friday of his crucifixion. I know we call it Good Friday because it was good for our salvation, but there was nothing good in it for Jesus.

On Friday, Jesus was betrayed by one of his own disciples and was turned over by him to die a horrible death. He did all of this so that we could have eternal life — a gift for an unworthy society.

So on Easter Sunday, I do celebrate. I celebrate the Resurrection. I am thankful beyond measure for the brutal torture he took and the horrible death he endured for me.

Sometimes the guilt of how unworthy I am feels extremely heavy. And the fact that God sent His only son for each one of us, as a gift for us, not because we did anything to deserve it, but because He loves us through grace beyond our comprehension.

You may ask yourself, why is a political figure writing a column about this? Doesn’t she know about the separation of church and state?

The First Amendment says this: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Over the years, the courts have introduced the idea of a separation of church and state when it comes to politics and religion. However, this doesn't mean that any religious expression automatically violates that principle.

For example, every day we open the Senate with a prayer, and although those prayers may come from different denominations or even different religions, they are all respected.

For me, I cannot take my faith off and put it on like a coat. It is who I am. It is how I live my life and how I make decisions. It shapes my thinking and guides my actions. It is impossible for this political figure to be anything other than God’s child.

Does this mean I won’t disagree with those on the other side of the aisle? No.

Does this mean I don’t lose my temper? No!

Does this mean I don’t make mistakes? No!

What I am not is vindictive. If I don’t like one piece of legislation you introduce, it does not mean I will vote against every other bill you bring forward, as happened with me when others in the Senate didn’t like my bill that would keep men and boys out of women's and girls' sports.

In addition to my political life, I also try to conduct my personal life and business life with integrity. When I see an injustice, I also see it as my duty to report it, especially now that I hold public office.

I am not perfect, but I am, before all other titles, a child of God.

I hope you and your family enjoyed a wonderful Easter, and may God bless each and every one!

My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected].