“One of the Best Parts of My Week”: U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith on the Power of God’s Word in the Capitol
An Interview with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
Q: To start, can you share how attending the Senate Members’ Bible Study has impacted your personal faith journey and influenced your role as a public servant?
Senator Hyde-Smith: Well, it’s such a support group. I mean, we’ve got a pretty tough job, and to be in there with other senators and to literally be in the Word—it definitely has enriched and solidified me. It certainly keeps you focused. I say all the time: we have to find our center— this keeps you in your center.
Q: That must be reassuring.
Senator Hyde-Smith: Oh, no doubt. It’s the fuel that runs the engine. When you draw closer to God, He will draw closer to you. It’s so true. The Bible study helps us draw closer to Him.
Q: What sets the Capitol Ministries Bible Study apart from others you may have participated in?
Senator Hyde-Smith: I feel like we’re all equal in there. We’re all going through the same challenges, the same trials—coming under fire as elected leaders. I feel like that shared experience makes it so relatable.
Q: What would you say to a colleague who may be a little hesitant about joining the study?
Senator Hyde-Smith: I’ve invited people, even during our Senate luncheons. I’d definitely say it’s well worth the time and commitment. The Bible study keeps you centered, and it allows you to build relationships with your colleagues on a spiritual basis.
Q: Yeah, and that’s like nothing else.
Senator Hyde-Smith: Exactly.
Q: How does the study specifically help you apply biblical principles in your role as a senator and public servant?
Senator Hyde-Smith: It’s a constant reminder. Just today, we studied the fruit of the Spirit. In the busyness of daily life, you think—who doesn’t need to concentrate on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Who doesn’t need to focus on that? You go to the Bible study, and you refresh everything you need to stay focused on. We definitely strive to live out the fruit of the Spirit, and the study reminds us of that.
Q: If you could sum up the Bible study in one sentence, what would it be?
Senator Hyde-Smith: It’s coming together with colleagues in a spiritually enriching way, grounded in God’s Word, and centered on living out the fruit of the Spirit.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about Capitol Ministries or your service as a senator at this time?
Senator Hyde-Smith: In my opinion, the quality of the Bible study is unmatched. As we say in there, we don’t water ski—we scuba dive. We take a deep dive into issues and try to comprehend the Scripture. You’ve got some great intellectual minds in there who come prepared, and it’s just one of the best parts of my week.