Monument To A Pest

Gò0dNews from thePastor’s Desk

Monument To A Pest

by Dr. James Rushing

Enterprise, Alabama, is home to a unique monument. In the center of the cobblestone intersection, where North Main meets South Main and where East College becomes West College, stands a 13-foot monument. The monument is a woman standing on a pedestal. Around the base there is a fountain. The woman stands adorned in a flowing robe with her arms lifted above her head. In her hands she holds a bowl. In the bowl is a smaller pedestal, and on the smaller pedestal you will find—wait for it—a large replica of a boll weevil insect. Italian style meets redneck fashion. There must be a story.

In the 19th and first part of the 20th centuries, cotton was the main crop around Enterprise and in most of the South. In 1915, the boll weevil insect invaded the South, and by 1918, farmers were having entire crops destroyed by the insect. Because of that tiny pest, Enterprise farmers diversified and began raising peanuts. Devastation led to diversification, which led to prosperity. In honor of the insect, the city dedicated the monument on December 11, 1919. The monument inscription reads, “In profound appreciation of the Boll Weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama.”

The COVID-19 Coronavirus has brought challenges and difficulties to our city, country, and world. It could also lead to greater days ahead. For those who are anxious or fearful, consider three important responses during troubling times:

1. Look to the right source (Mark 4:35-39).

When the disciples were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, they first looked to their vast experience and physical abilities. Realized the storm was bigger than they, the disciples turned to Jesus, who spoke peace that provided a great calm. Read Psalm 46:1-3.

2. Listen to the right voice (Matthew 14:22-33).

On another occasion, the disciples were in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus came walking to them on the water. When they cried out in fear, Jesus spoke to them, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” They found the “I” in the middle of the storm. Read Joshua 1:9.

3. Learn the right lessons (James 1:2-4).

As James wrote to believers scattered from their homeland, he reminded them of how testing can accomplish good things. Tests teach us patience, patience matures us, and maturity equips us.

Some final observations:

• Challenges can force us to makes changes we would not otherwise consider. • Challenges can help realign our priorities and remember what is truly important. • Challenges cause us to think outside the box. • Challenges test what we think we know. • Challenges make us better.

For several months, I have been meeting some of my church members at 5:00 a.m. each Tuesday to pray for revival. Since transitioning to online prayer meetings, we have been able to invite missionaries to join us from all over the world. I guess it took a difficulty to get me out of my box.

This too shall pass, and we will be better for the struggle.

About The Author

Dr. James Rushing is the pastor of Temple Baptist Church of Chattanooga at 3200 Rossville Blvd. Chattanooga, TN. He and Lynda have enjoyed 35 years of marriage and ministry together. Feel free to contact him at JPRushing@gmail.com.

Keeping seniors safe. At home.

At Comfort Keepers ® , we provide in-home care that helps seniors and others live safe, happy, and independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

In-Home Care Services

Personal care Companionship and housekeeping Grocery shopping and meal preparation Medication management Dementia and Alzheimer’s care Respite care

(706) 937-9955

ComfortKeepers.com/CartersvilleGA

Serving the area since 2003

© 2020 CK Franchising, Inc. Most offices independently owned and operated. 0620

McGRATH ART STUDIO

PARK PLACE RESTAURANT 2801 LAFAYETTE HIGHWAY FORT OGLETHORPE, GA 30742 Portraits & Fine Art Created In Oil Or Pastel PEOPLE, PETS, HOMES—A PAINTING CREATED FROM YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS. Janet McGrath, Master Portrait Artist Contact Janet For A Time To Meet At Her Studio: 423.356.5959 JMcGrath ART Studio | www.Janet-McGrath.pixels.com