You cannot be President of the United States if you don't have

Host: The room feels solemn, as if the conversation is about to explore the deeper connections between leadership, faith, and personal strength. The soft evening light casts long shadows across the space, creating an atmosphere of introspection. Outside, the world continues at its usual pace, but inside, the air feels thick with the weight of history and the responsibilities of leadership. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup, her expression thoughtful. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, looking out at the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, yet filled with curiosity) “You ever think about how faith, whether in a higher power or in something else, plays a role in leadership? How, especially in times of crisis, having that sense of belief can shape the decisions a leader makes?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “Faith and leadership? Yeah, it’s interesting how many leaders, especially in times of great turmoil, turn to their faith for strength and guidance. It’s not just about policies or strategies—it’s about the internal foundation they rely on. What made you think about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something George H. W. Bush said: ‘You cannot be President of the United States if you don’t have faith. Remember Lincoln, going to his knees in times of trial in the Civil War and all that stuff.’ It made me reflect on how faith isn’t just a personal belief—it’s an essential part of leadership, especially when facing trials.”

Jack: (pauses, considering her words carefully) “So, he’s saying that faith is a necessary foundation for a leader, especially someone in the highest office, like the President? That during moments of trial, faith—whether in God or in something deeper—is what provides strength and clarity for making tough decisions?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. Bush’s point is that faith, in whatever form it takes, is a source of resilience for leaders. When things get difficult, when decisions are hard, faith offers a sense of purpose and guidance. Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War, didn’t just rely on strategy and politics—he turned to his faith for strength to guide the nation through its darkest hours.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to settle in the room, creating a shift in the conversation about leadership and faith. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he processes the deeper message behind Bush’s statement. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels rooted in a more profound understanding of the role faith plays in leadership.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what he means. Leadership, especially in times of crisis, isn’t just about having the right answers—it’s about having something to believe in, something that grounds you when the world around you is uncertain. Faith gives a leader the strength to make decisions that go beyond immediate circumstances.”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. Leadership requires more than just intellect or strategy—it requires an inner belief that helps guide you through the most difficult decisions. Faith can give clarity in moments of doubt, especially when a leader is facing a crisis that demands moral and ethical decision-making.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea sinks in) “It’s liberating, isn’t it? To realize that even the greatest leaders, like Lincoln, needed something beyond themselves to keep going. It wasn’t just their mind or their politics—it was their faith that helped them through.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, yet filled with wisdom) “Exactly. The most effective leaders are often those who can draw on their faith, whether in a higher power or in their values. It’s that belief that keeps them grounded and gives them the strength to lead with purpose.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as though the conversation has shifted into a deeper understanding of leadership and the role of faith in guiding others. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the importance of faith in times of crisis. Jeeny watches him, content in the realization that true leadership comes from an inner strength rooted in belief. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared understanding that faith, in whatever form it takes, is a crucial element in effective leadership.