What happened to black and white?
I was a young child when color television became common in American homes. Before that, everything was black and white. The phrase itself became shorthand for clarity—something definite, objective, and true.
To say an issue was “black and white” meant there was no ambiguity.
Today, technology allows us to take a color photograph and manipulate it into black and white—or blur it into countless shades in between. What was once clear can now be endlessly altered.
Nowhere has the art of avoiding black-and-white truth been perfected more than in Washington, DC. Politicians have mastered the ability to give a non-answer while appearing to answer a question. And yet, Christ spoke plainly: “I am the way, the truth, and the light.”
Washington does not need better messaging—it needs the way, the truth, and the light. That is why I devote so much of my time on Capitol Hill.
My impact this week began days before I ever boarded a plane. Over the years, Congressman Steve Womack of Arkansas has become a trusted friend, particularly in private moments behind closed doors. Last week, Steve called to tell me that his wife of 41 years, Terri, was in hospice care and not expected to live much longer. He asked if I would be willing to sing at her funeral, should my schedule allow.
On Sunday, Steve texted to let me know Terri had passed. We began discussing funeral details and the logistics of my traveling to Arkansas for the service on January 27.
The recent passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa has underscored a sobering reality: members of Congress and their families are not immune to the hardships of life. Illness, grief, and loss do not stop at the steps of the Capitol. Those who serve here carry the same burdens every human faces.
Tuesday was “fly-in” day, with House members returning to Washington while the Senate remained out of session. The House’s primary focus was passing spending bills before week’s end—one funding the Departments of Defense, Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services, and another addressing the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE. What could possibly go wrong?
My time on the Hill was filled with meaningful encounters. In one office, I entered as a chief of staff was on the phone. He motioned for me to sit as he continued his call. It quickly became clear he was speaking with a medical facility about a family member battling cancer. When the call ended, he shared that his mother had previously fought cancer, only for it to reappear in other organs. We talked quietly, and during prayer, he wiped tears from his eyes.
As I stood in the hallway outside the House Chamber greeting members of Congress, one representative approached me to express his gratitude for a note I had delivered during my previous visit. The quote from R. A. Torrey—about fighting battles on one’s knees—had deeply resonated with him. He shared that the note now sits on his desk, a quiet reminder during demanding days.
Lunch included several Christian businessmen visiting the Hill, along with two government officials from Romania. Our conversation centered on the challenges facing their country and the reason for their meetings with members of Congress.
Later, in the Rayburn Building, I ran into a congressional spouse who shared her excitement about leading a CODEL—Congressional Delegation—trip to South America with her husband. Such bipartisan trips, involving both Democrats and Republicans, often foster relationships that make cooperation on Capitol Hill possible. We ended our conversation with prayer as they prepared to depart in the coming days.
Throughout the day, I caught glimpses of President Trump speaking at Davos while hearings unfolded across the Capitol complex. Rumors circulated that House leadership might push to complete votes Thursday evening so members could leave early ahead of an impending winter storm. Forecasts predicted up to 20 inches of snow—enough to bring the federal government to a standstill. Staff who live in the city were already stocking up on supplies.
As I walk the halls, I always notice placards that are outside congressional offices. This poster is an indication that members of congress are aware of and concerns about the challenges of home ownership. It is an issue that must be solved for the future of families and the future of the nation.
My two-day, 14-mile trek across Capitol Hill ended Wednesday evening in the basement of the Capitol with a dear friend who works in the House Sergeant at Arms Office. Her mother had passed away weeks earlier after a painful experience marked by inadequate medical care. I listened as she processed her grief and frustration. She shared that she had played my recorded version of “Mary, Did You Know?” at her mother’s funeral.
As of this writing, a potential crisis over the spending bills appears to have been averted. A late dispute involving EPA regulations related to ethanol threatened to derail the process. Speaker Johnson stepped in late Wednesday evening to broker a solution, allowing the bills to move forward for a Thursday vote—just in time for members to flee the coming storm.
Please continue to pray for those who work on Capitol Hill. Pray that the way, the truth, and the light would be clearly seen and heard. TAnd I covet your prayers as I travel to Arkansas to sing at Terri Womack’s funeral—prayers for comfort, peace, and encouragement for her family.
God bless,
Steve