Good Day for Louisiana

Monday began what I hope to be a good time for Louisiana. On Monday, our new governor, Bobby Jindal, took the oath of office as he became our state's 55th governor. During the campaign, Jindal ran on promises to reform and literally to reinvent the way Louisiana does business. Obviously, politics in Louisiana has become synonymous with corruption and payoffs. Jindal promised to change that perception.

I've known Gov. Jindal for a number of years. When he campaigned for the first time for the United States Congress, I had the privilege of having lunch with him at one of our local restaurants. Though I cannot remember the details of our conversation, I do remember that he's a genuine individual who wants to make a difference for Louisiana. He had already proven his ability to influence the influencers as he had served in Gov. Mike Foster's administration and in Pres. George W. Bush's administration.

So when invitations came to attend the prayer breakfast and the inauguration on Monday, I responded to both. Though the breakfast was not the intimate lunch Jindal and I shared a few years back, I was still impressed with our young governor. Those who addressed the gathering of about 1,000 spoke of the kinds of issues that will make a difference -- not only in Louisiana, but for our nation as well. Texas governor, Rick Perry, offered his encouragement as well. When Jindal spoke, I welled with pride both from having known him on somewhat of a personal level, but also because I really believe he will make a difference.

Later on Monday I attended the inauguration at the capitol building with my daughter, Kendal. We enjoyed our time taking it all in -- the bands, the singers, the weather, the ceremony. CBS sports announcer, Tim Brando, kept the ceremony light, and we enjoyed the comments he added.

And when Gov. Jindal gave his inauguration address, we cheered along with the crowd as he made clear that his promises during the campaign would be his clear agenda as governor. I have great confidence in him to accomplish his goals because they are rooted in relationship with Jesus Christ.

Here's the conclusion of Jindal's inaugarual address: "Our New Louisiana will be a magnet for the dreamers…the risk-takers…the adventurers…the leaders of America’s new economy.That New Louisiana will give our citizens the opportunities they deserve.That is the kind of reform we will bring.That is our goal.That is our charge.I have said it before and I will say it again…we can change….we must change…we will change.Thank you.God Bless you and God Bless the Great State of Louisiana."

I'm thanking God our governor and will be praying for him.