Remembering Gov. Lurleen Wallace
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Richville Rundown
Sheila Ward
Wow, it’s March, named for the Roman god of war, Mars. A time for the Romans to resume the military campaigns that had been stopped because of the winter.
It also has the vernal or spring equinox. March also has the Ides of March and St Patrick’s Day. March 12 is the start of daylight saving time, so we will spring forward or be an hour late!
There is a weather proverb that says, “If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.” The extended forecast for the first few days of March is for thunderstorms, so we’ll see.
As I stated in last week’s column, March is Women’s History Month. The woman I am highlighting this week is Gov. Lurleen Wallace. She became governor because her husband, George Wallace, was unable to serve two consecutive terms at that time.
They were very upfront that if elected, she would be a figurehead for him. She did continue to carry out many of George’s policies; however, she did initiate several of her own. She increased funding for the state’s mental hospitals, got a $160 million road bond bill passed and created a program to develop the state’s parks and historic sites.
During her 15 months as governor, she was hospitalized several times because of cancer. Because Alabama lacked adequate cancer treatment facilities at the time, she traveled to Houston. After her death, fundraising for building a new cancer center was begun. The Lurleen B. Wallace Tumor Institute at UAB was completed in 1976.
There are several buildings named in her honor, as well as Lake Lurleen in Tuscaloosa, which was named in her memory. As a teenage girl, politics were not interesting. I was much more interested in George Jr.! However, over the years, I have discovered that she had a story to tell and did through politics, setting the stage for others to not just stay in the background, but become a person in her own right.
Providence Baptist Church is still seeking a pastor, so continue to be in prayer for our church. as we search for an interim pastor, as well as a new pastor.
My scripture reading this week is Proverbs 3:5-6 which reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This passage is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. We don’t just make a decision to trust God in our head, but we have to make a commitment that leads to action. We have to take each situation and place it in God’s hand. We have to let go and not rely or lean on ourselves, but give it to God. The word “all” is used twice in these verses. First, trust with ALL our heart, not part or most. Second, in ALL your ways submit, so everything, not part or most. As followers of Jesus, we only have to look to God for wisdom.
There are several in our community that are not feeling well, so please pray for their healing in God’s will, as well. God knows their names and needs. Until next week, take care and be joyful!
Organizations in the area, as well as churches, I need your events! If your family has some news or an event to share, please contact me. I would prefer text to 334-414-7147 or emails to wardgrand6@gmail.com, but phone calls will be fine, too. If you don’t get me when you call, be sure to leave a message.