Lynchburg, Va — I am deeply saddened at the passing of civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, following his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He fought that terrible disease with the same fervor and resolve he used when advocating for civil rights, shoulder-to-shoulder with great Americans such as Martin Luther King Jr.

My daughter and I had the privilege of meeting Congressman Lewis and hearing him speak, two years ago in a small group setting in Washington, D.C. His words that day matched his legacy, and I am grateful for his service to our nation.

In addition to praying for his family and friends during this time of mourning, I also pray that our nation will follow his example of contending peacefully, yet relentlessly and unapologetically, for freedom and justice for all Americans. God bless Congressman Lewis and his family, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.