The Blackwoods-- the Biggest Name in Southern Gospel Music

The Blackwood Brothers are the biggest name in Southern Gospel music. In 1934, a group of Mississippi brothers came together to honor Christ. Bill Gaither has said that James Blackwood, Sr. was the greatest voice in Gospel music. You can read more at Blackwood Brothers
Seventy three years later, James Blackwood, Jr. still leads the Blackwood Brothers as they tour nationally and sing the old familiar gospel songs. This coming Monday night, December 3 at 7 PM the Blackwood Brothers will sing at Maytown Baptist Church. While admission is free, we will receive a free-will offering for the Blackwood Brothers. Maytown Baptist is on Hwy 269 or Birmingport Road just seven and a half miles off I-59 West at the 20th Street Ensley exit.
Here is a sample from the best-known name in Gospel music

A Day at Judson College

On Tuesday, November 27, I was privileged to preach at the Tuesday chapel service at Judson College. Before I expound on the day, I do want to state that this day was a day I will remember for the rest of my life.
Judson College was founded as a woman's college in 1838 by Baptists in Marion, Alabama. In those days, colleges for women were usually finishing schools, the first President Dr. Milo P. Jewett stated that he wanted to see a school training women on the level of a Harvard or a Yale. From the first, Judson College has excelled in training women leaders in a wide variety of fields.
Dr. Jewett also said that his desire was to see Judson remain a "school of Christ." Most schools of that age have long since departed from their spiritual roots, but Judson today remains a school of Christ.
Chapel was led by Kevin Ball, a dynamic young minister who teaches Biblical studies at Judson College. The Judson women sat attentively as I preached on the lessons of wisdom from the story of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. We heard announcement of mission opportunities as the students led in worship. The chapel service was a grand spiritual experience for me.
Afterwards, I enjoyed a fine meal with the President Dr. David Potts, Dr. Michael Brooks (professor and friend), Kevin Ball, Susan Jones (former missionary and current staff at Judson), two fine students, and Perry County District Judge Don "Ducky" McMillan. As a side note, Judge McMillan is a fine example of a godly man in public office. I have known Judge McMillan through our mutual friend and spiritual advisor, John Sobera.
Let me comment on the two students: Channing Newton is from East Alabama and a godly young lady with an excitement about walking with God and her time at Judson College. Katie Brooks is another wonderful Judson student. Katie's story is unusual in that she is from Washington state and purposely sought out a Christian college. Headed for Wheaton, she read about Judson and sensed the direction of the Lord to attend Judson College. Both of these ladies are honorable women with a desire to serve Christ and give testimony to the benefit of attending Judson College.
Concluding the day, I enjoyed some quality time talking with Judson President Dr. David Potts. Dr. Potts' heart beats to see Christ honored at Judson. He longs to see every student saved and become a faithful servant of Christ. This college president is a humble man with a desire to listen to any advice or help that may be offered. Dr. Potts knows every student by name, loves the faculty, and has developed a fine spirit on campus.
Judson has produced women leaders as perhaps no Christian college in America. Did you realize that Judson College is the only all-woman college in the National Christian College Association and the last all-woman college in Southern Baptist life? In the last decade, every single pre-med graduate at Judson College has been accepted at the Medical School of their choice. Graduates have excelled in the fields of medicine, education, business, and missions. The school's namesake was Ann Hasseltine Judson, wife of the first Baptist missionary, Adoniram Judson. The heritage of Judson College is a heritage of missions, as scores of Judson graduates serve as missionaries on international fields.
Judson College excels in women's athletics, including equestrian sports. In fact, Judson is the only college in Alabama and the only Christian college in America offering studies in Equestrian studies (horses). Judson graduates in equestrian studies are welcomed in Veterinarian studies.
In a previous article, I extolled the virtues of the University of Mobile, and will continue to do so on every occasion. Let me add an endorsement of a fine, innovative Christian college with a grand heritage--a school of Christ. Judson College

The Constitution for today

This video is through E-zekiel an exciting new ministry using videos- a Christian You Tube. This particular video is courtesy of Keith Hinson, Communications Director for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and an all-around great guy. Keith is one of my favorite people and a kind-hearted helpful soul.
For regular readers of Musings from Maytown, I doubt that the subject matter will surprise you very much.

Jesus is Coming part one

In John 14, our Lord urged his disciples to take comfort with the promise I will come again and receive you unto myself. Scripture makes great promise that the same Lord Jesus who came to Earth will return to Earth from Heaven. In coming weeks, I hope to delve into the specifics of biblical teaching on the second coming of Christ, but today, I simply want to establish the certainty that Jesus Christ has promised to return to this Earth.
In Acts 1, our Lord's ascension to Heaven was about to take place and the Disciples asked him a question on end times and Jesus answered it is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Lord has put in His own power.
In Luke 18:8, Jesus pondered on whether any faith would remain on the Earth at the time of His return.
In Matthew 25, Jesus concluded His parable of the ten virgins with the challenge, watch therefore, for you know not in what hour your Lord may return.
The Apostle Paul even promised in II Timothy 4:8 that a Crown of Righteousness would be given to all those who love His appearing.
True Christians may have differing views on the specifics of our Lord's return, but the New Testament is plain that Jesus will return.
The arguments over the Lord's return have darkened the thinking of many. Wild speculation has caused many to react to the point of non-interest in the return of the Lord. However, I pray that in the coming weeks, we can shed some light on the subject and lead the reader toward a balanced perspective on the Lord's return.

Poll results

The poll just closed on the guess for the Alabama-Auburn game and the predictions were as follows: 47 readers correctly predicted a win by the Auburn Tigers, 40 expressed that Alabama would be the victors and 10 readers stated that they did not care. Certainly, anyone who does not care about the Alabama-Auburn game must be a Communist.
This week, I hope you will take the poll on the presidential election. This poll is connnected to a national survey, so your votes are not just tabulated on this site, but nationwide. Please click on the bar to cast your vote and you will see a grand list of candidates from both Democratic and Republican parties.
Also, I have included a poll on your prediction for the SEC football championship game next Saturday between the LSU Tigers and the Tennessee Volunteers.
Congratulations to the Auburn Tigers for their 17-10 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide. Auburn was well-coached and their players played with intensity. Again, congratulations on your win.

Liberal or conservative?

In the political realm, we define where candidates for public office stand on the issues and accordingly tag them as either liberal or conservative. Having observed elections most of my life, I have watched as these terms have shifted considerably.
In the founding days of our nation, Thomas Jefferson was considered liberal because he stood for liberty in his defense of personal rights and states' rights. However, Jefferson adamantly opposed a large and powerful central government. Today, Jefferson's views would be considered far right.
The state of Alabama has the most expensive court races in the nation, with business and insurance interests funding one faction of candidates and plaintiff attorneys and labor interests funding the opposing faction. For the last few election cycles, the business/insurance interests have dominated, however that wall may be cracking with the election of Sue Bell Cobb as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court since Cobb was largely funded by plaintiff-friendly interests. Nonetheless, those candidates supported by plaintiff-friendly interests are tagged as liberal. Think about that for a moment--defending the rights of injured individuals is automatically considered liberal, while defending the interests of large financial concerns is, by default, the conservative position.
During the days of the Reagan Administration, the Republican Party strongly advocated limited government and free enterprise. Free enterprise would force a market-driven economy which eventually placed power in the hands of the consumer. Today, the Republican Party seldom mentions free enterprise, opting instead for a desire to be pro-business. Are these two concepts one and the same? Free enterprise would take government hands off the economy. A pro-business philosophy often advocates bailing out Chrysler, subsidising corporate America, and passing laws that favor business interests--regardless of the effect on the average citizen. We see a plethora of private-public partnerships where corporations pad their pocketbooks at taxpayer expense.
Free enterprise gives the entrepreneur a fighting chance to invest time and money for gain. The current pro-business philosophy enables corporations to pad themselves against losses and avoid the curves of trial and error in investments.
Back to liberal and conservative--right now the news media is calling Mike Huckabee a hardline conservative because of his pro-life stance. Mind you, I am on Brother Huckabee's side on this issue. However, a pro-life stance hardly qualifies one as a conservative. Mr. Huckabee's record as Governor of Arkansas was that of advocacy of bigger government, higher taxes, and more government involvement in the lives of Arkansas citizens. In yesterday's LA Times, Jonah Goldberg refers to Huckabee as a statist.
What determines right vs. left, conservative and liberal? Imagine a straight line and the far right is no government, anarchy. As the line progresses leftward, the other extreme is totalitarianism. Far right would be an anarchist, far left would be a Communist dictatorship like that of Kim Il Jong of North Korea. Classic conservatives like Reagan, Ron Paul, Barry Goldwater, Ron Paul, Robert Taft, Ron Paul and Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman would be to the right of center, but not far right. Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy, and others who advocate big government solutions would be left of center. The issues that determine right or left would be freedom vs. government control.
Our founders were not anarchists, but they did believe in liberty. America is the great economy she is today because our liberty has allowed individuals to invest and produce. The principle of liberty follows through to our personal lives. America has traditionally been a moral country, not because of government-enforced morality, but because of the influence and power of the Gospel.
May the God who grants liberty bless this great land.

Sorry, but I told you so

Regular observers of Musings from Maytown know of my advocacy of the re-election of Birmingham Mayor Bernard Kincaid and my frustration at the wild promises made by Mayor-elect Larry Langford. Langford promised higher salaries for city employees, a dome stadium, and a refurbished city.
Mayor Langford ran on a platform of Let's Do Something! Well, Mayor Langford has been in office one week and has already made four decisions that indicate the direction of a Langford Administration.
1. Mayor Langford has already proposed a one-cent sales tax increase, bringing the city sales tax level to ten cents on the dollar. Birmingham purchasers would be paying the highest rate among Southern cities. This proposal would have problems for several reasons:
A) The sales tax is regressive, hurting the poor. When Sarah gets her Social Security check, her corner grocery store will be forced to charge her ten cents on the dollar for a loaf of bread. Middle-class purchasers can drive to Center Point or Forestdale and save a considerable amount in sales tax.
B) This sales tax will especially hurt automobile dealers. Mayor Kincaid worked hard to keep Automobile dealers in the city. Even weekly grocery purchases will be significantly less by crossing the city limits line.
C) Twenty-six percent of Birmingham citizens are at-or-below poverty level. Yet, these poor citizens will be pressed to pay a higher sales tax rate for, among other expenses, a dome stadium. Remember, this dome stadium is being built without promise of a professional sports team to fill the stadium, sufficient hotels to attract large conventions. With additions to Bryant-Denney Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, I seriously doubt you will ever see Alabama or Auburn playing in Birmingham again.
* Please take note that while Mayor of Fairfield and as County Commission President, Langford pushed through sales tax increases. Brother Langford's reputation as a taxman should not surprise anyone.
2. Mayor Langford has proposed doubling business licenses for businesses operating within the city. How many small businesses will see this move as the proverbial straw on the camel's back and move to a suburb with a lower rate?
3. To pay for the promised pay raises, Mayor Langford's plan calls for laying off four hundred and fifty (450) city employees. How will these massive lay-offs coincide with Langford's promise to refurbish the city and deal efficiently with crime?
4. This point makes me laugh--after criticizing the Kincaid Administration as stuck on stupid, Mayor Langford has kept about half of the Kincaid appointments. Even with his criticism, the new Mayor knew that Kincaid had an administration that worked efficiently and honestly. While I am glad to see honorable people like Don Lupo and Kimberly Chatman keep their jobs, the fact that they are kept in employment tells me that the Kincaid Administration had effectively placed people in the right positions.
While Mayor Kincaid seems to have gone on without sour grapes, forgive me-- I am still perturbed that an honest mayor who was making steady progress, all without new taxes--was defeated by a man who had divided the County Commission, led Visionland toward bankruptcy, and had a record as a tax increaser.
Take a listen to a tribute to Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford

Historians will review the Kincaid Administration as a time of honest government, steady progress, and economic growth.

Poll results

This past week, our blog hosted a poll on which candidate you believe will win the Democratic nomination for President. The results were:
Hillary Clinton 39 votes
John Edwards 13 votes
Barack Obama 13 votes
Joe Biden 3 votes
Chris Dodd 0 votes
Thank you for your participation. This week's poll asks whom you expect to win the 2007 Alabama-Auburn game.

The 2007 Iron Bowl

For many years, the annual intrastate football rivalry between the University of Alabama and Auburn University was played at Legion Field in Birmingham. Since Birmingham was known for making iron and steel, the game began to be known as the Iron Bowl. Now the game is played on a home and home basis at both the Alabama and Auburn campuses.
In the late 1980s, USA TODAY declared the Alabama-Auburn rivalry as the greatest rivalry in the nation. Growing up on the West side of Birmingham when Bear Bryant coached at the Capstone and Shug Jordan coached at Auburn, I know that every child in Alabama had to choose early on in life which side to take--Alabama or Auburn. Those rivalries were heightened because both teams regularly went to major bowl games and almost annually competed for SEC titles. Of course, Alabama still claims to be Dixie's Football Pride, a claim largely based on a tradition founded upon twelve national championships. I can still close my eyes and remember the thrill of Coach Bryant walking out on the field, following the sea of Crimson as the players charged the field before kickoff.
The annual rivalry brings back memories of Kenny Stabler running through the rain to score a touchdown to defeat Auburn 7-3 in 1967. Auburn fans love to tell of 1972 when Alabama was slated to play Texas for the National Championship. But Coach Bryant said "I'd rather beat Cow College any day." That statement motivated an underrated Auburn team who scored twice in the fourth quarter on two blocked punts to defeat Alabama 17-16.
Just a few months before my son's birth, my wife and I attended the 1985 Alabama-Auburn game at Legion Field when Van Tiffin kicked a last-second field goal to defeat Auburn. Relive this moment.
I will make no effort to mask my pro-Alabama bias. I could beg off and refer to the fact that my daughter is a Freshman at the University of Alabama. Actually, if my daughter attended Auburn, I would still be pulling for the Tide. My loyalty to the Crimson Tide goes back farther than I can remember. When I married my wife, she had no football interest, but married me with the understanding that she would be an Alabama fan. Today, she is a much more fervent Alabama fan than I.
My heart was broken this Saturday as Alabama played poorly and lost to Louisiana-Monroe. Certainly the odds will favor Auburn. Then again, Alabama could pull out another game like they played against Tennessee. Yes, Auburn should be favored, but the Red Sea could part and Coach Saban could lead us...... well, you get my drift. I do hope that Alabama fans will be patient. Wise observers knew that we began this year woefully short on talent, depth, and experience. Coach Saban will build a winner, if Bama fans will be patient--not a characteristic normally attributed to Alabama fans. Give him three years to recruit and two additional years to develop, and Coach Nick Lou Saban will be contending for our thirteenth National Championship. These current days are the darkness before dawn. Remember, the Psalmist said "weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Tide fans should realize that we will not survive as a viable program, if we do not support a class act like Nick Saban,
Avid Musings from Maytown reader Gary Cardwell of Etowah County reminds me that Troy University is the one school in the state with an opportunity for a Conference championship and a repeat bowl appearance.
To all in-state readers, I would urge you to enjoy the game and act with grace, regardless the outcome. To out-of-state readers, you will have a hard time grasping the nature of this rivalry. No other Southern state has a rivalry quite this sharp and biting.
Please vote on the accompanying poll concerning who you expect to win the game. Remember, this is NOT who you want to win, but your prediction concerning the outcome of the game.

Ron Paul and the preachers

Well, as mentioned in the previous article, I enjoyed three days at the Alabama Baptist State Convention in Mobile. On a positive note, I found a number of preachers who faithfully read this blog. Thank you, my friends, for seeking out this venue of information.
Interestingly enough, I took some good-natured ribbing about my bold and forthright support for Ron Paul for President. I found a majority of these preachers are supporting Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. I would suggest that my friends read the Club for Growth report on the big-spending and high-taxing ways of Brother Huckabee.
Club for Growth
But I noticed two objections to my support for Ron Paul:
1. "He doesn't have a chance." The first primary state is in New Hampshire, and Paul is ahead of Huckabee in that state. The race is too early to determine who does or does not have a chance. In an earlier article, I noted Congressman Paul's realistic chances. However, if any group ought to be willing to stand on principle, that group should be Baptist preachers. Regardless of his chances, I will vote for the one candidate calling for a return to the US Constitution.
2. Many object to Ron Paul's stance on the War in Iraq. Many mistake this stance for pacifism or an unwillingness to deal with terrorists. Most forget that Ron Paul supported going into Afghansitan after 9/11 but felt that we had insufficient reason to go into Iraq. Paul opposed going into a full-scale war without a declaration of Congress, as required by the US Constitution.
Discussion of the Iraq War is an emotional subject. Hear me out! Just as reverence for the US flag should always supercede politics, even so, support for our troops should supercede politics. Any man or woman who is on the ground in Iraq is a hero and worthy of our honor. But patriotism does not require support for the war policy.
Let me ask my preacher friends to go back and read the principles of Just War as derived from Scriprue and as developed by Augustine in his classic City of God. Just War.
Please give honest considerations without emotion. Remember, one can disagree with public policy and still be a patriot
You may be interested in finding that Ron Paul receives more contributions from military candidates than any other Republican candidate. GOP contributions from military

Alabama Baptist State Convention 2007

This week, the Alabama Baptist State Convention met in annual session in Mobile, Alabama. I enjoyed my three day in Mobile as the time was enjoyable and refreshing. The highlight of the trip was spending time and eating meals with my son, John Killian, Jr. who is a student at the University of Mobile and Youth Minister at Overlook Presbyterian Church.
To be concise, the meeting was good, the spirit was pleasant, and the actions were positive. Believe me, I would be willing to express any negative characteristics of the meeting. But the meeting was uplifting and controversy virtually absent.
Monday morning, I attended the pre-convention meeting of the State Board of Missions. I am finishing my second year as a member of the State Board. Allow me to mention several points of interest at the State Board meeting and of the convention:
* In the month of September, the Alabama Convention was #1 among State Conventions in giving through the Cooperative Program to Southern Baptist Convention causes. Alabama always ranks among the top two or three in total gifts through the SBC. The Alabama Baptist State Convention operates a pure Cooperative Program system with 42.7% of all CP monies being forwarded to the SBC. No funds are taken out of the formula and no CP giving is diverted to groups that would compete with the SBC. When one considers special offerings, a strong majority of giving through the Alabama Baptist State Convention is passed on to Southern Baptist work. The giving record of the Alabama Baptist State Convention demonstrates a grand loyalty to supporting missions through the Southern Baptist Convention.
* The Alabama Baptist State Convention leads the SBC in giving through the World Hunger Offering--where every cent goes to purchase food that will be served alongside a Gospel witness. Alabama is the only state convention to provide the rice bowls, used for the offering, without charge.
* Dr. Joe Bob Mizzell continues to be on the frontlines of the culture war as Director of the Christian Life Commission. Mizzell, arguably the most beloved preacher in the state, works well in educating churches and representing the Alabama Baptist Convention on moral issues affecting public policy. Dr. Mizzell's presentation was reinforced by the ALCAP presentation led by Dr. Dan Ireland. ALCAP has been a powerful force in opposing the expansion of gambling in Alabama.
* The Baptist college presentations were stirring. State Board members are used to hearing a strong, biblical message from Dr. Mark Foley of the University of Mobile. As usual, Dr. Foley spoke of training Christian leaders in every realm of public life and training them to look at every area of life from a Christian perspective. Dr. Foley's presentation was given with class and polish. However, this year we heard President Foley's message of a Christ-centered, Bible-based, education reinforced by the challenge of Dr. Andrew Westmoreland of Samford University. Sounding like a preacher, Dr. Westmoreland spoke passionately of his desire to integrate faith with the instruction at Samford University. During the convention, all three college presidents (Westmoreland, Foley, and Dr. Potts of Judson College) gave positive, encouraging presentations. Speaking for Judson College was Laura Forman, a godly woman who spent a term in China with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Laura, along with her husband and child (not yet born, but on the way), intends to return to the mission field with the IMB.
* Both in the board meeting and in the Convention meetings, all state board personnel focused on missions and evangelism. The cooperation level with SBC entities and other state conventions is positive and definite. Even in talking about disaster relief and social ministry, the emphasis is always on winning people to Christ.
* The University of Mobile luncheon on Tuesday confirmed that Alabama Baptists are watching as Dr. Mark Foley and staff build a world class Christian University off Exit 13 on I-65 in Mobile. The music from the University of Mobile is unmatched anywhere.
* The Pastors Conference was a success with Barry Holcombe as President. The music and the preaching were stirring. We all received a scare when Evangelist Junior Hill became sick and had to end his sermon. All appears to be well as Junior Hill is back preaching following this temporary setback.
* Controversy was kept to a minimum. The only discussion from the floor took place when questions were asked on the sale of some property on Taylor Road in Montgomery. This sale passed unanimously, a testimony to the confidence that grassroots Baptists have in the leadership of our State Convention. Particularly encouraging was the report that the Alabama Baptist State Convention keeps debt payment down to less than two percent of the annual budget. Even with this limitation, debts are paid early. The Alabama Baptist State Convention has a record of wise money management.
*All officers were re-elected for a second term. This includes President Roger Willmore,Pastor of Deerfoot Baptist in Trussville; Vice President Jimmy Jackson, Pastor of Whitesburg Baptist in Huntsville; and 2nd Vice President Mike Shaw, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Pelham. All three of these men are solid conservatives and loyal Southern Baptists. Willmore brought a masterful convention sermon and presided with grace and charm. Jackson is a giant in the faith, having been a leader on the SBC level. Brother Jimmy (as he prefers to be called) is a kind and gracious man with convictions of steel, a great preacher, and a leader of leaders. Each year Whitesburg Baptist leads the state in offerings for the Lottie Moon International Missions offering and the Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions. Jackson baptizes hundreds yearly and was involved in the conservative resurgence from the beginning. Dr. Mike Shaw is one of the most personable men of God you will ever meet. Brother Mike's great stature is matched only by his big heart. I cannot imagine anyone who would not love Mike Shaw, a kind and gracious man with a zeal for the Gospel. I am proud to call all three of these men personal friends.
* Resolutions passed reflected the conservative nature of our convention. Alabama Baptists re-stated support of the Cooperative Program, specifically mentioning our affiliation with Southern Baptists; opposition to Sunday liquor sales; opposition to Hate Crimes legislation that would hinder free speech; and opposition to casino gambling as operated by Indian tribes in Alabama.
Please follow with me as we draw conclusions on this meeting:
1. Alabama Baptists are loyal to the Southern Baptist Convention.
2. This convention did not have a hint of influence by the more liberal Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
3. Our state convention is traditional, yet solidly conservative in theology.
4. Dr. Lance, our Executive Director, and the staff of the Alabama Baptist Convention are focused on evangelism and missions. The heartbeat of the state board is ministry.
5. Doctrinally, there was not one hint of an aberration. Alabama Baptists are theologically conservative. Most state convention employees work in conjunction with Southern Baptist agencies and must affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. My ears perk up at doctrinal aberration, and I am satisfied that our state staff is doctrinally sound.
In a recent article, I reported on a liberal Baptist who said that Alabama's convention was rescued from fundamentalism. Well, I don't know if we are fundamentalist or not, but we are certainly not liberal, not moderate, and we are strongly aligned with the conservative Southern Baptist Convention.
Is our convention perfect? No, and will not be until Jesus comes. But we are moving in a better direction and for this, I thank God.

Remembering Governor Wallace

Today, the news reported that Arthur Bremer was released from a Maryland prison. Arthur Bremer was the hard-hearted soul who pumped five bullets into the stomach of Governor George Wallace, while Governor Wallace was campaigning in a Laurel, Maryland shopping center. while Governor Wallace survived the shooting, the bullets severed nerve endings which meant that Gov. Wallace spent the next twenty six years of his life confined to a wheelchair, enduring terrible pain on a daily basis. When one realizes that Gov. Wallace served ten additional years as Governor of Alabama as he endured that pain, his stamina was really amazing.
One little known fact is that Wallace aide Emmett Eaton rushed to the Governor's side and held his side to stop the bleeding. Likely, Emmett Eaton's actions saved Governor Wallace's life. In 1999, I had the privilege of conducting the funeral of Emmett Eaton, a member of Maytown Baptist Church.Present at the funeral was George Wallace,Jr. Today, several of Mr. Eaton's family are among the most active members of our church.
Mention George Wallace to a younger person in Alabama and generally, their remembrance is the criticism they were taught in school concerning his historic stand in the schoolhouse door to oppose the Federal desegregation order at the University of Alabama. Wallace was often the liberal's favorite whipping boy for any negatives associated with the State of Alabama. This troubles me, as I fear that the truth of a good man, a patriot, and a Christian is becoming lost to the next generation. Please consider the following facts:
* While other segregationist politicians of that day made shrill, vitriolic speeches about supposed physical and mental deficiencies of black citizens, Governor Wallace was never guilty of such inane actions. Governor Wallace held high the principles of Jefferson and Calhoun in a strong advocacy of the rights of the states. Feel as you wish on segregation, but Governor Wallace was right in his argument that our federal government was encroaching on the rights of the states and of the individuals. Governor Wallace spoke of regret at any racial tensions raised in those days, but he never apologized for his defense of the Constitution.
Call me naive, but I really believe that the Southern people would have dealt with the injustices of the Jim Crow system--and we should have! But handing over control of our schools and local governments was not the Constitutional answer. Go back and read the speeches of Governor Wallace in that day,and you will find that he expounded American history and Constitutional Law in his defense of the Southern position of that day.
Even in the controversy surrounding the Confederate flag on the Capitol dome, Governor Wallace always shifted the discussion to the honor of history and the need to encourage tourism.
* While critics speak negatively of the Governor's position in regards to progress in our state, Governor Wallace's administrations led the South in recruiting business and in economic growth. Governor Wallace worked to keep taxes low and worked toward keeping a friendly business climate in the state. At the same time, Wallace kept a balance in that he never lost sight of the concerns of the average citizen.Under Wallace's leadership, the state made great strides in education and health care. The heart of George Wallace bled for the common citizen of Alabama. Yes, black citizens made great gains under the leadership of Governor Wallace.
* I will always believe that George Wallace paved the way for the conservative movement in the 1980s and 1990s. Newt Gingrich said that George Wallace was the author of the Contract with America. Frankly, I believe that George Wallace was the "John the Baptist" who paved the way for Ronald Reagan.
On September 30, George Wallace Jr. spoke at Maytown Baptist Church. George Jr told of finding a letter in the files that Governor Wallace had written to Arthur Bremer. The Governor explained the Gospel to Arthur Bremer and pleaded with him to accept Christ as his Saviour. In the letter, Wallace testified to the love and forgiveness of God in Christ and Wallace said "because of Christ, I love you, forgive you, and want you to be in Heaven with me."
The last comments Bremer made publicly were in 1996 when he expressed no regret at the shooting of , as he said, a "segregationist dinosaur." Yes, I am angry at his release, but somehow, I don't think Governor Wallace would be. One matter is certain--those who know Christ as Saviour will see Governor Wallace in Heaven. Right now, George Wallace is too enamored by the presence of the Lord Jesus to be worried about Arthur Bremer. Thank God for His amazing grace.

Traditional Country Music still lives!

This past Wednesday evening, ABC-TV covered the 2007 Country Music Awards live from Nashville, Tennessee. In recent years critics have decried the current status of country music. Many of the current crop of self-styled Outlaw Country musicians have developed a style more akin to 1970s rock or even 1950s rhythm and blues.
But this year's CMA winners certainly reflected that traditional country is alive and well. Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley still uses the steel guitar and sings with a country twang. Female Vocalist of the Year Carrie Underwood is described as having a cry in her voice, similar to Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette.
But consider that none other than George Strait won Album of the Year and Song of the Year for Give it Away, written by traditional country star Whispering Bill Anderson. The success of George Strait gives strong evidence that traditional country is alive and well in the twenty-first century. George Strait is on a roll, with fifty-five consecutive number one hits--songs that go back to 1982.
George Strait Number One songs

When New Country stars like Garth Brooks hit the scene in the 1990s, many traditional stars went by the wayside, but George Strait continues on with his cowboy hat and country sound.
Check out the 2007 Song of the Year as determined by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

A tribute to Rex Humbard

On September 21, 2007, at the age of eighty-eight, Evangelist Rex Humbard passed into Heaven from his retirement home in Atlantis, Florida. Rex Humbard was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1919. In 1952, Rex Humbard became the first preacher to have a nationwide television broadcast.
As a young boy, I would watch Rex Humbard and his Cathedral of Tomorrow. As a young Pastor, I went to hear Rex Humbard at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Rex Humbard was a gifted evangelist with a burden to reach lost souls. I never once heard Rex stray from the Gospel. Rex Humbard never attached himself to any denomination. While biographers call Rex a Pentecostal, I never heard Rex Humbard promote any of the Pentecostal distinctives.
Attorney David Gibbs of Christian Law Association grew up in the Cathedral of Tomorrow and loved the evangelistic zeal. Rex Humbard was a great promoter of Gospel music. Rex preached the funeral of Elvis Presley. Supposedly, Elvis Presley said "I believe anything Rex Humbard preaches." His humble, honest approach to evangelism was used by God to touch many hearts and win many souls to Christ. Critics may besmirch Rex Humbard, but you will never hear of any scandal in his ministry or personal life. In fact, Rex and Maude Aimee Humbard lived as man and wife for sixty-five years. While others were diverted to other emphases, Rex Humbard kept his focus on the Gospel.
When ministers would fall into sin, Rex Humbard was known to reach out in love and seek to restore these to a walk with God. I hope your heart will be touched with this tribute to a good man who is now with the Lord.

Crimson Tide fans--take courage!

This past Saturday's loss to LSU was a stinging defeat. The Crimson Tide led for much of the game, even leading in the Fouth Quarter. Alabama fans certainly felt that we had the game in hand, but alas, the Bengal Tigers came away the winners. Particularly stinging was the gloating attitude of LSU fans who especially wanted to come away with a defeat of former LSU Coach Nick Saban.
Alabama played a game with few penalties, while LSU was often beset by penalties. Alabama took advantage of LSU mistakes to keep the game close until the final play of the game.
Alabama was manhandled on the offensive line throughout the entire game. LSU was able to run the ball at will. Yet, the tenacious, well-coached Crimson Tide stayed in the game when LSU's talent should have put us away early in the game. Please note my conclusions:
1. Alabama was not in LSU's league as far as talent, speed, raw strength, or depth. The effect of sanctions has rendered Alabama at less than full ability.
2. Alabama's players exhibited a great amount of determination and motivation.
3. Alabama's team was well-prepared and able to take advantage of LSU's mistakes.
4. Alabama's only mistakes were due to the overpowering of LSU's advantages in strength on the line, strong backs, depth, and overall talent.
5. Nick Saban FAR out-coached LSU Coach Les Miles. LSU fans had signs that stated "you got what you paid for" (obvious reference to Saban's top salary-all paid for from private funds).
Time is on Alabama's side. We are in a rebuilding mode, but we are building wisely and carefully. Alabama's program is on target to build a powerhouse. My communications tell me that Bama fans understand our current disadvantages, but we also realize that the Tide may have their best coach since the legendary Paul William "Bear" Bryant. Better days are just ahead.
Remember, the Confederate Army was outnumbered 4-1, far less able to afford a standing army, and saddled with every disadvantage possible--less wealth, less industry, less capability for outfitting a military. Yet the Confederate Army kept the better outfitted Union Army on the field for over four years. While Lee ultimately surrendered to Grant, everyone knows that the Confederate Army fought smarter and better. Today, military strategists all have much more admiration for the Confederate soldier than probably any army in history.
The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has great disadvantages, but like the CSA, the Tide has a great General in Nick Saban. The Tide has the support of their fans. Take courage, Tide fans--great days are just ahead!

Update on Cherryholmes

A while back, I wrote about Cherryholmes, the most amazing bluegrass group I have ever heard. You might check on my June article on Cherryholmes Bluegrass on Steroids. Cherryholmes' latest CD Black and White debuted at #1 on the bluegrass charts. The signature song Black and White features a solo by Cia Cherryholmes, the oldest daughter in the group. Check out this song
Hope you check out Cherryholmes

Goodbye Porter Wagoner!

Today, Porter Wagoner's body was laid to rest, but his soul went on to be with God. I cannot remember a time when I did not know about Porter Wagoner. While my parents never listened to country music, my grandparents would watch Porter each Saturday afternoon. Porter Wagoner was the quintessential traditional country artist. Born in the Missouri Ozarks, Porter Wagoner visited Nashville as a twenty-two year old man where he heard Hank Williams sing Lovesick Blues. From that moment on, Porter knew that he had to sing country music.
Porter Wagoner sang to the heart of the common individual. Two of his most searching songs were Satisfied Mind, where Porter sang about a man's need to be at peace within and Carroll County Accident, where Porter sang about the covering of sin. To Porter, the highlight of his career was in 1969 when Porter Wagnoner won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance for his special concert with the Blackwood Brothers. Here you can watch a piercing recitation by Porter Wagoner.
Today, Porter Wagoner's funeral was conducted by Dr. Jerry Sutton of the Two Rivers Baptist Church. Dr. Sutton (a great man of God) spoke of Porter's testimony, about the fact that Porter had a close walk with God in the closing days of his life, and how Porter's closing desire was to sing the Gospel. Porter had evidently patched up relations with Dolly Parton, who spoke and sang at his funeral today.
To quote a sign in a fan's pickup truck, "Heaven's a little more sparkly because Porter is there."
Let's close out with Porter Wagoner's first Number One song Satisfied Mind

Light a Candle!

"Don't just curse the darkness, light a candle!" This adage well communicates the need of conservatives in general and evangelical Christians specifically. People of conviction can be guilty of complaining about bad trends in our society and not offering a positive alternative.
In 2005, Brice F. Marsh visited Branson, MO and attended a Christ-centered Christmas presentation. Marsh, longtime conservative activist and Christian layman, left with a vision to bring a Christ-centered Christmas celebration to his home town of Huntsville, Alabama. Marsh worked to bring quality Christmas music to the Von Braun Civic Center with a focus on the coming of Christ at Christmas.
Each year, I see the tinsel and color and think that all of this is fitting for a celebration of the Lord's birth. The splendor of Christmas must not be lost on secular celebrations.
Rather than just complain, Brice Marsh has worked to light a candle by the Keep Christmas Alive celebrations. People come from great distances come to this grand celebration, which will be held on Friday, November 30 at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville. Check out the information and consider bringing a group to this tremendous concert which focuses on the coming of our Lord to Earth.
Keep Christmas Alive!
Marsh has a record of punching holes in a dark canopy with his work at Teen Think Tanks Teen Think Tanks