In Tragedy, Leadership and Faith Triumph

George W. Bush led America through one of the darkest days in our history — September 11, 2001. On Tuesday in Dallas, he offered the same poignant words of comfort and strength to an America that feels divided.

President Bush and his wife, Laura, joined President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, on Tuesday at an interfaith memorial service in Dallas for the five fallen officers who died in the line of duty last week. Bush’s speech was concise and clear, focusing on faith, unity, and America’s path forward — in contrast with President Obama’s long, political monologue, in which he mentioned himself 45 times.

“Too often we judge other groups by their worst examples, while judging ourselves by our best intentions,” said Bush.

“With their deaths, we have lost so much,” Bush said. “We are grief-stricken, heartbroken, and forever grateful. Every officer has accepted a calling that sets them apart. Most of us imagine [that] if the moment called for [it], we would risk our lives to protect a spouse or a child.”

Bush’s succinct, strong message is reminiscent of the president who stood on the rubble at Ground Zero, who grabbed a bullhorn and powerfully lifted up a wounded nation.

“Those wearing the uniform assume that risk for the safety of strangers,” Bush today at the prayer service. “They and their families share the unspoken knowledge that each new day can bring new dangers. But none of us were prepared, or could be prepared, for an ambush by hatred and malice. The shock of this evil still has not faded.”

[lz_third_party includes=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=303&v=gNL3X2ymwuA”]

In the short time that has passed since the Dallas tragedy, the divide in America seems larger than ever, and Bush addressed that feeling of division as well.

“At times, it seems like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. Argument turns too easily into animosity. Disagreement escalates too quickly into dehumanization,” Bush said. “Too often we judge other groups by their worst examples, while judging ourselves by our best intentions. And this has strained our bonds of understanding and common purpose.”

That element of dehumanization gets at the core of the problem. When Americans begin to see each other as human again, that is the beginning of the solution. Bush went on to note the positive options for this country as America begins to band together.

“Americans, I think, have a great advantage. To renew our unity, we only need to remember our values. We have never been held together by blood or background. We are bound by things of the spirit, by shared commitments to common ideals,” he said.

Related: Dallas Mayor: ‘We Need Prayers‘

“At our best, we see the image of God in ourselves,” Bush said. “We recognize that we are brothers and sisters sharing the same brief moment on Earth and owing each other the loyalty of our shared humanity.”

In order for the nation to move past such difficult times, we must unite and remember that we are all human — and that each of us is made in the image and likeness of God.

“The Apostle Paul said, ‘For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of strength and love and self-control.’ Those are the best responses to fear in the life of our country. And they are the code of the police officer.”

Related: The Three Brave Veterans Lost in Dallas

Finally, Bush spoke of the victims and the unimaginable loss and pain their families and loved ones are currently suffering.

“Today all of us feel a sense of loss, but not equally. I’d like to conclude with a word to the families, the spouses, and especially the children of the fallen. Your loved one’s time with you was too short. They did not get a chance to properly say goodbye. But they went where duty called. They defended us, even to the end.”