Prominent Americans share the passages that have inspired and guided them.

And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you

(Ephesians 4:32).

Jimmy Carter , President, 1976-1980.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me

(Philippians 4:13).

Deborah Norville , television journalist

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it

(Psalm 118:24).

Peggy Noonan , Speechwriter for Presidents Reagan and Bush, 1984-1989.

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for His Name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me;

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

Thou anointest my head with oil;

My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

(Psalm 23).

Rosa Parks , Civil rights leader.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God

(Matthew 5:9).

Willard Scott , NBC Today Show personality

What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee

(Psalm 56:3).

Mary Kay Ash , Founder, Mary Kay Inc.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose

(Romans 8:28).

Barbara Mandrell , Grammy-winning country and gospel singer.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life

(John 3:16).

Billy Graham , Minister and televangelist

I will say of the Lord, His is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust

(Psalm 91:2).

Dan Quayle , Vice President, 1989-1993.

Justice, justice, shall you pursue, that you may thrive

(Deuteronomy 16:20).

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , Supreme Court of the United States.

Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not

(Jeremiah 33:3).

C. Everett Koop , M.D., U.S. Surgeon General, 1981-1989.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest

(Matthew 11:28).

Heather Whitestone , Miss America 1995, an advocate for the deaf.

Those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint

(Isaiah 40:31).

Rabbi Harold S. Kushner , author of How Good Do We Have to Be.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths

(Proverbs 3:5-6).

Jack Kemp , Former Congressman (R-NY), and Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1989-1992.

(Courtesy of Good Housekeeping, Dec. 1997)

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