His message was "so uplifting."

"He inspires you to do good things."

Those were just a few of the comments this reporter heard from Burlington folks following a praise and worship service at the high school auditorium Sunday morning as the all-school reunion weekend came to a close.

Everyone was referring to the message of Oklahoma's U.S. Sen. James Lankford. With 22 years in the ministry, Lankford stood before the Burlington audience, comfortably delivering an insightful and at moments lighthearted message based on the book of Nehemiah, who was a Jew and a high official in the Persian court.

There's no way to recreate Pastor Lankford's intellect and ease of delivery, but some of the highlights of his message that this reporter took away follow:

• God works through people. Ask God, "What is my task?"

• Pray for things more than complain.

• Pray for people with whom you don't always agree.

• If you fear the country is falling apart, it's from within. Do your part to help rebuild. Washington, D.C., is a mirror of the country.

• Where can you help in restoring the health of the nation?

• God has a task for each of us.

Besides Lankford's inspiring words, the praise team of Burlington grads led the congregation in music that further enhanced the service. Members are: Brad Rieger, Class of '94; Kiley Feely, '97; Kasey Waldschmidt, '00; Caleb Kimberling and Carter Stewart, '14; Alysson Stewart, '16; and Tateyn Rieger.