I just finished reading the book, “Where You Go: Life Lessons from My Father” by Charlotte Pence. The title of the book is from a favorite Bible verse of their family. It is their beacon and vision:

Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God

Ruth 1:16

Ruth is telling her mother-in-law that they are family; they are one unit now. Therefore, wherever life takes Naomi, Ruth will follow.

A quote from Charlotte’s book that inspires me:
Charlotte to her dad:
“You are going to be a good governor.”
“I will do my best.”
“You will be.”
“How do you know”?
“Because you are a good dad.”

When she was in middle school, Charlotte gave her dad a homemade book titled “The lessons you have taught me.” Among the many lessons contained in it, here are my favorite ones:

1.The safest place to be is in the center of God s will
2.Devotions
3.If you lose your family nothing else will matter much.
4.Lead by example
5.Never shout; anger does not inspire.

I came to like Charlotte a lot because she always put her family first. She is so thankful to have the parents she has. She is so grateful for her brother and sister.

She is so thankful that her dad always dines with her mom. This means Mike Pence is not available for dinner, because he always dines with his wife. I applaud this rule to protect his marriage, and his family.

The Pence family always pray together. One of their mottos is do the right thing and go home for dinner.

Charlotte also said that Mike Pence would rather lose an election than lose his family.

On the day of his inauguration as Vice President, as Mike Pence took his oath of office his voice caught on the last words,” so help me God.” It was a declaration, an admission that he would not be able to do it without assistance.

Charlotte remembers that the founders included this essential phrase in order to ensure the oath taker asked God for help, knowing full well that he or she would not be able to do the task alone.

Thank you, Charlotte, for showing us that you have a great inspiring, strong family sustained by your faith and love. Your family circle is unbreakable because of your consistency in staying connected.

Charlotte, we love you, we love your parents, we will always be by your side because truly if we do not have a family, we do not have much at all. Families are eternal.

Wishing you God’s blessings.
 
Elisabeth Seidel