By Susan Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama still has jewels in her crown, and one of them is named Dianne Bentley.
While the rest of the State is embroiled in intrigue and scandal, she still holds her head high, and continues the work she committed to when she accepted the position of First Lady.
And a lady she is. An example of Southern grace in times of adversity, a beacon continuing to shine for those families lost in the storm, a pillar of strength for those in need, with a calmness of self, inspiring numerous shattered souls.
Despite a State overwhelmed with financial, criminal and ethical quagmires, she is unstoppable in her mission to help the Alabamians who need her the most. Even after leaving the office of First Lady, she continues to serve with honor, when any help or guidance is needed.
My mother often reminded me that “pretty is as pretty does.” What she meant was beauty comes from within. Even the most beautiful face is not enough to cover over the most wicked of souls. Not only was this advice necessary for my development, but it became a cautionary tale to be aware of those whose motives might not always be at face value.
Dianne Bentley had my admiration from the moment she, by contact, swore an oath to Alabama. She has continued to the serve with dignity and remains above the amoral fray, continuing her dedication to the people of Alabama. Volumes more than I can say for some of our elected officials in the most powerful positions of the Peoples’ Trust.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies,” reads Proverbs 31:10. Dianne Bentley exemplifies this profoundly, and sets a high standard for others to follow. She leads us to remember to follow God’s desire for our service to others, regardless of life’s twisting and turning path. She has risen above her circumstances, as she finds new ways to follow the guidance of Proverbs 31. It continues in Verse 20, “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”
Don’t be mistaken: she is no shrinking violet. She is an educated, professional woman, in her own right, who sacrificed her own career for family. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Bacteriology.
The epitome of a steel magnolia, she remains a lighthouse of strength, while the stormy waves of life are crashing all around her. She never bent when the breezy twist of fate became a gale force wind.
Her honesty, integrity and grace are an inspiration of perserverance, to those surrounded by a whirlwind of life’s obstacles.
In these troubled times that Alabama is facing, we need her humble example, now more than ever, as we look into the eye of the political firestorm that is headed for our State in the next coming months.
