Joshua DuBois, author of The President’s Devotional (Harper Collins) and a spiritual adviser to President Barack Obama, spoke at Vanderbilt University Divinity School Dec. 4.
DuBois’ talk and book signing, was in the Divinity School’s Reading Room.
Photo credit: Michelle Bukowski/Vanderbilt
The President’s Devotional is a collection of 365 of the daily inspirational messages that DuBois began sending then-Sen. Obama during his first presidential campaign. DuBois, who was working for Obama, recognized the stress of the campaign on his boss. DuBois asked Obama if he could begin e-mailing Obama the devotionals to read each morning. The messages included short snippets of scripture, stories, quotes and prayers to provide counsel, encouragement and inspiration.
During Obama’s first term, DuBois served as executive director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. DuBois said he learned much and gained an inside view on Obama’s faith and values. The book includes longer meditations on DuBois’ insights while accompanying the president on such momentous events as the Sandy Hook shootings.
DuBois, a Nashville native, is the founder of Values Partnerships, which advises leaders in government, business and the nonprofit sector on faith-based partnerships and religion in the public square.
