[cheers and applause] the bishop, and the family, to the Cummings Family mr. President , madam secretary, madam speaker, governor, friends, colleagues, staff the seeds on good soil. [applause] pres. Obama the parable of the sower tells us stand up for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering, produce a crop. The seed on good soil. Elijah cummings came from good soil. [applause] pres. Obama and in this sturdy frame, goodness took root. His parents were sharecroppers from the south. They picked tobacco and strawberries, and then sought Something Better in this city, south baltimore. Robert worked shifts at a plant, and ruth cleaned other peoples homes. They became parents of seven, preachers to a small flock. I remember i had the pleasure of meeting elijahs mother, ruth, and she told me she prayed for me every day, and i knew it was true, and i felt better for it. Sometimes, people say they are praying for you, and you dont know. [applause] pres