ALABAMA
Redemptive Gift
Alabama received its name from a
Native American tribe that inhabited the region at the time the first Europeans
arrived. The tribal name must be sought in the Choctaw tongue and is translated
as “thicket clearers,” (Alba, "a thick or mass vegetation," and
amo, "to clear, to collect, or gather"). In scripture, the
concept of “clearing a path” or “preparing the way” is associated with a
prophetic gift or mantle. In addition, the concept of “clearing a field” is
associated in scripture with “preparation” for planting or building. If
we may look past the perversion, this call has tremendous possibility when in
right-relationship to God.
Much of Alabama history gives additional witness to
this call. Without justifying the reproach of the past, we must see the common
threads in Alabama history that reveal the characteristics of this gift that
(when redeemed and aligned with righteousness) may glorify God, and be used to
bless, minister to, and serve another, with divine purpose and godly
intention.
Alabama’s role in the Civil War reveals several
things. The platform by which the state seceded from the Union was Southern
Rights, and was “perceived” (rightly or wrongly) as an attack on the freedom and
rights of the people (though still blinded to the injustice of slavery because
it was entrenched in culture and considered an economic necessity). It was
Alabama that initiated a call to the separate states to join in Montgomery and
was instrumental in seeing them galvanized in forming the
Southern Nation, the Confederate States of America. Montgomery became known as
the “Cradle of the Confederacy” for the birthing role and as
the first Capital of the Confederacy (which later moved to Virginia), and
Alabama became known as the “Heart of Dixie.” It may be significant that
“heart” in scripture (vs. head) implies a prophet/priestly role
(vs. king/ruling role) and is “intended” to be a voice of morality. Though much
in this was a reproach, the role must be understood, for when redeemed it has
potential for great good. Similarly, with the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. was born and educated in Georgia and elsewhere, but it was while
serving as pastor in Montgomery, AL that the flashpoint of Rosa Parks and the
Montgomery Bus Boycott provided the catalyst to birth the movement that
revolutionized the state and nation, and galvanized a national
coalition (the building of which later then moved to
Atlanta).
Another case may be seen in 1943 (during World War
II) when Alabama was the first (and possibly only) state to
officially call for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The
unanimous joint resolution from the Alabama legislature led the way in the U.S.
- and eventually the U.N. - five years before Israel became a nation. Alabama
again led the way in 2002 when the legislature did the same, urging President
Bush to support Israel during the rising Palestinian conflict drawing
international attention after the terrorism of 9/11. (It has been said that the
only flag to fly in Israel at the Knesset other than her national flag is the
flag of the state of Alabama).
Another recent example may be seen in the issue of
the lottery, where again a perceived moral issue and
exploitation of poor galvanized the state. In addition, the modern example of
Judge Roy Moore is very much in line with this historical precedence. Here again
is a strong voice emerging in defense of perceived rights and justice, the issue
being over right and jurisdiction of the federal and state courts and the
misrepresentation that has occurred in complete contradiction to both U.S.
history and the explicit writings and clarifications of our founders and writers
of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. It is
interesting to note the Alabama State Motto, “We Dare Defend
Our Rights,” has been proven to be repeatedly the case (whether for good or for
evil). This pursuit is both noble and according to the scripture (to
judge/defend the cause/right of another), but also carries with it the danger of
rebellion to proper authority, if not in right-relationship to God.
The Alabama State Seal gives
another hint at a repeated characteristic showing Alabama not as an isolated
state, standing alone, but including all four state borders AND the names of the
four bordering states as well. This is not only unique for a state seal, but is
yet another witness to the significance of Alabama both being joined and joining
with others. Whether for good or evil this has been evident repeatedly in her
past, and is why sectarianism/division in some form has often been the chief
strategy of the enemy. In addition to several previous examples of joining or
connecting, another modern one is that Alabama has the most cities of any state
in the nation that have gone to Summit (meaning have initiated Pastoral Prayer
Summits in their city, which includes an annual gathering of pastors from across
the city joining in prayer together for four days in an isolated place, and has
been a primary catalyst in stirring both relationship and city-wide vision for
the Kingdom).
These and other examples reveal several
characteristics that continue to emerge regarding the state of Alabama
including:
1) quick to confront, or take initiative in conflict
2) driven by principle or ideology (whether right or wrong) and by perceived morality or heart issues
3) resentment of anything resembling injustice or control, when understood as such
4) fierce opposition to (real or perceived) loss of freedom or rights
5) catalytic and able to galvanize
These characteristics imply Alabama, when truly walking in her calling, may be a strong guiding
voice of morality with the Father’s heart, and a true
catalyst toward right relationship, covenant, and brotherhood. When
driven by divine principle, Alabama will be a fierce voice for freedom and
against all manner of injustice. Her compassion on the poor and needy will then
reveal her as a Joseph in times of famine, and a passionate defender of truth
and righteousness. This is but a glimpse of the destiny God has put
within our reach!
