By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
The Prophet Elijah said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” 1 Kings 9:14, KJV
Not that I would dare compare myself with the Prophet Elijah, or any of the great men and women which God has ordained to do his will. But, I am reminded of their stand for the Lord in the midst of violent men and terrible troubles.
I have always believed that when standing on the foundation of Holy principles, the issue is not about being against something, but being “for God.”
Over the past two and one half years, we here at the Alabama Political Reporter have documented, in great detail, many of the allegations against Mike Hubbard that have led to his felony indictments.
I have heard varying reasons why Hubbard and others have thought we investigated him with such tenacity. It has been said that it was because we worked for the AEA. We’re Democrats. We’re crazy. Other than perhaps a little crazy, I can categorically deny that any of those things are true.
We vote Republican. We were never asked by our advertiser, the AEA, to write any articles on Hubbard.
When we first began to write about what we felt were questionable dealings on Hubbard’s part, someone on the website “Left in Alabama” questioned why we would be investigating a Republican.
Someone posted on LIA (something to the effect) that they believed it was because I had an overly-exaggerated sense of right and wrong. That I took as a compliment and hoped they were right.
Even with all the evil and malicious cynicism in this present world, I still believe there is such a thing as doing what is right and that personal sacrifice in a cause greater than ourselves is deeply imbedded in the human spirit.
Jesus asked,“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36, KJV.
Perhaps I am foolish to believe that we all can make a difference if we stand together to make our small part of the world better. I believe that we are meant for service on this earth and not to simply serve our own appetites and lusts. Life lived properly must involve service to others and sacrifice of self.
Men like Hubbard like to call themselves public servants, but from the little we already know about the evidence against him, Hubbard wanted to be served, to be rewarded by the rich and powerful for his “Storming the State House.”
Over the last two years, Hubbard and his cronies have tried to destroy us personally and professionally. He has used his henchmen to go after our advertisers, our reputations and our ability to make a living. Even now he is working to cause us to lose the very last of our financial support.
But, we know something that Hubbard doesn’t understand: God is faithful, and He will not forsake His own and will not see them go hungry.
I am not a Bible beater or someone who wears his religion on his sleeve. My religion is sewn in my soul and His words are etched in the fleshy tables of my heart.
There are those who think I hate Hubbard. I don’t. I hate no one. I have no time for, or inclination toward emotions like hate. The rewards of hate, envy and revenge are the things that motivate small men like Hubbard.
In my mind’s eye, I see a world not of hate or envy but a creation made by God where men, women, and children can live in love.
What I see in the very real world of Hubbard-style politics is the same thing Elijah witnessed. Far too many at the State House have forsaken good government and far too many serve in fear. They have thrown down sound principles to enrich themselves and their cronies. They have chased good men and women from public office and made it a den for crooks and fools. They have cowered in the corner rather than stand like real men and women.
Like the ALFA lobbyist said over two years ago, the Britts are on the Speaker’s hit list.
But, it is not what men want of me, or what any man can do to me, or what men think of me that matters. It is what the Lord says to me when I stand before His final judgment that matters.
There are good men in the Alabama House and Senate, we certainly have an honorable man as Governor. But Hubbard taints them all because they allow him to remain in the Speaker’s chair despite his alleged crimes and his propensity for destruction.
So, Hubbard and his kind will continue to deceive the people, play by their own rules and deny the common law that has been handed down from on high. His kind will try to destroy us and any who stand for what is right.
I often think and reread Hebrews 12, which says in part, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
The scriptures teach us that Elijah didn’t find God in the earthquake or the fire, but in a still, small voice.
Some of us are listening and will obey.
This is why I go to work everyday.
