U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy & Frank - 1995

U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy & Frank - 1995

It has been said: “Politics & Religion” are two topics that folks should steer clear away from. Early on, I learned in both camps you will offend 50% no matter what you discuss. Ironically, both have been my passion and profession. Today, I still believe the things we need to talk about the most we often ‘”sweep under the rug” and talk about the least.

For those that may not know, I had the pleasure to work 17 years on Capitol Hill in various congressional capacities while being a bi-vocational minister. This week, regardless of political persuasion we lost a giant in the United States Congress and America lost the liberal lion of the U.S. Senate, The Honorable Edward M. Kennedy. Regardless of political parties I was blessed to grow as friends with the icon, institution and individual.

In April 1995, I was appointed by the Senate Sergeant at Arms to work as a bi-partisan figure on the floor of the United States Senate. It was a JOY to work with all 100 U.S. Senators. It is an honor to work for one Senator but I had the high honor to serve and interact with all of them. Half the day I worked on the Republican side and the other half on the Democratic aisle. When I was age 23 (1995), I was considered the youngest in modern memory to work on the floor of the United States Senate. During that time, I had the privilege to meet the likes of Senator Bob Dole (R-KS), Senator John Glenn (D-OH), Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC), Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WVA), Sen. Trent Lott (R- MS) and of course the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

We had some great times on the floor of the U.S. Senate. One day, Senator Kennedy approached me and asked to borrow my VISA card only to pretend that it was his Social Security card and gave a rousing speech on the floor as C-Span aired it to the world. When we first met I told him my name was Frank Shelton and a couple days later despite the world on his mind he walked by and in front of everyone paused and said: “Hey Frank – good to see you.” I was floored that one of the most powerful senators remembered my name.

Kennedy was a crowd favorite (perhaps because of his rich heritage, thick irish accent, the political dynasty, an heir of Camelot) regardless folks loved to see Senator Kennedy. Most of the United States Senators are unknown to the general public but Kennedy was known by almost everyone. He had that powerful voice that folks sat on the edge of their seat when he spoke. He was passionate and a great orator. One may not agree with everything he said but no doubt, he was a powerful presence and a voice to those that were kept silent. Since childhood, I was taught to look for the best in others. Too often, we are remembered for our worse deed or moment but fail to cherish, celebrate and consider others in their finest hour.

None of us live perfect lives but the only thing I can say is that he was very gracious to me. Our job is to love people and God alone judges. This weekend, America will bury one of her own and Massachussetts will bury one of its most beloved sons. Today, I pray for Senator Edward M Kennedy’s family because I still believe people are more important than political parties. My prayer is that liberal lion of the Senate is now lying down with the Lamb of God. It was an honor to serve God and Country working with men and women like Senator Edward M. Kennedy and watch Democracy unfold on a daily basis. To this day, the United States Capitol Building is my favorite place. It is appropriately called “The People’s Building.”

Today, my heart is heavy for his family but grateful to God to meet the man who seemed “larger than life” but was down to Earth to serve the common man, fight for his convictions and took time to say “hi” to a goof-ball like me. God bless America & God bless Senator Kennedy.