Standing Firm: Lessons from Ephesians 6 in Public Service

Standing Firm: Lessons from Ephesians 6 in Public Service

As a licensed Baptist minister and Tennessee State Senator representing District 26, I’ve found solace and guidance in Scripture, especially Ephesians 6:10-18—the passage on the armor of God. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes," Paul writes. For me, this isn’t just a call to spiritual resilience—it’s a blueprint for serving my constituents with integrity.

In the halls of Nashville, where debates on pro-life policies, Second Amendment rights, and rural economic growth often grow heated, I lean on this armor daily. The belt of truth keeps me honest as I craft bills like SB 85, promoting employee ownership with tax incentives. The breastplate of righteousness shields my decisions, such as opposing overreaching school choice expansions to protect public schools in my eight counties—Chester, Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lawrence, McNairy, and Wayne. The shield of faith has been my defense when standing alone, like my recent "no" vote in the Senate Finance Committee, prioritizing local education over universal mandates.

My 40 years as a clinical psychologist taught me that isolation breeds despair, but faith builds community. Recently, while honoring Jaden Smith, a Hardin County JAG awardee, I saw this truth in action—his grit mirrors the Ephesians call to stand firm. Whether you’re a parent, farmer, or policymaker, I encourage you to pray on this armor. How has Scripture guided your toughest moments? Share below, and let’s lift each other up as we serve Tennessee’s future.