Streams of Mercy

At last week’s session meeting, our Clerk of Session shared news of the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings, at the age of 68. Cummings was born and raised in Baltimore and lived there until his death. He was one of seven children, born to parents who had once been sharecroppers on the same land on which their ancestors were enslaved. He rose from those humble beginnings to become the dean of Maryland's black elected officials and a leader in the U.S. Congress. After Democrats took control of the U.S. House earlier this year, Cummings became chairman of the Oversight Committee.

Congressman Cummings currently serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. As the main investigative committee in the House of Representatives, Oversight and Reform has jurisdiction to investigate any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications. As the Committee’s Chairman, Congressman Cummings fights to hold the Presidential Administration to a high standard of excellence and to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the actions of the government of the United States. He also seeks to identify appropriate reforms that prevent waste, fraud and abuse and that ensure government programs meet the needs of the American people.

Congressman Cummings often says that our children are the living messages that we send to a future we will never see. In that vein, he is committed to ensuring that our next generation has access to quality healthcare and education, clean air and water, and a strong economy defined by fiscal responsibility. “From my own life experience, I can attest that we have come a long way toward universal justice in this country, but we are not there yet,” said Cummings.

“Just a Minute,” a poem by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays was often quoted by Rep Cummings, and seemed to speak volumes of his life as a public servant.

“I’ve only just a minute,

only sixty seconds in it.

Forced upon me, can’t refuse it.

Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it.

But it’s up to me to use it.

I must suffer if I lose it.

Give an account if I abuse it

Just a tiny little minute,

but eternity is in it.”

Thanks be to God for the gift of Rep. Elijah Cummings and for his challenge to make the most of every minute. May we use each minute wisely!

Elizabeth