This Day In History

In 1965, intimidation and discrimination were rampant in Alabama. More than half the city of Selma was prevented from registering to vote. More than 600 demonstrators marched to Montgomery to protest , and were brutally attacked on Sunday, March 7, 1965. A protest march was organized by the head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His march did not have federal judicial approval, however, and he turned the marchers around rather than march without this approval.

When an Alabama federal judge ruled on March 18 that the march could go ahead, President Lyndon B. Johnson and his advisors were concerned for the safety of the demonstrators. The biggest obstacle in their way? Alabama governor George C. Wallace. Governor Wallace was reluctant to order the national guard to action and utilize state funds for the purpose of protection. He promised President Johnson (in phone calls recorded by the White House) that he would call out the troops to maintain order, then turned around and refused to do so, calling on Johnson to instead activate federal troops. On this day in history, 1965, President Johnson notified Governor Wallace that he would use federal authority to call up the Alabama National Guard. This clash between Johnson and Wallace was a major turning point in the civil rights movement. President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law in August 1965.

When the civil rights movement was in the news, I was a year old. The changes in our country, even during the short span thus far of my lifetime, have been amazing. Many things have come to pass, both good and bad. From the civil rights movement of the 60s, to the election of President Obama in the fall of 2008, America has come almost full circle. As a nation, we have so much to be proud of, yet so much to continue to work toward.

It seems to me that there is a disturbing trend today, and there are those who would have us remove all mention of God. The statement made by former president Ronald Reagan is so true: "If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." There are those who would have the phrase "In God We Trust" removed from our money. Please do not be a part of the silent majority when it comes to God and country! You can search and find many statements, comments, and quotes from a variety of Americans about the importance of God. Read the words of Thomas Jefferson (1781): "And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever."

As a nation, as individuals, we must pray that God continue to shine His favor upon us. Without Him, we can do nothing. God, we thank you for the multitude of blessings that you have, and continue to, shower upon us. May we remember each day that you are God!

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." ~~Revelation 1:8 NIV