By ALLEN FARLEY  / Guest Columnist

Sometimes you just have to wonder what God’s planning next. I mean, really, just think about the timing of some recent Alabama events. The movie “Selma” opened last week at theaters throughout Alabama. Then, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we had Governor Robert Bentley’s inauguration taking place in the streets of Montgomery right up the hill from the historic Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. (Do you think God will use us in 2015 to make a statement in Alabama about tolerance and forgiveness?  Well …)
Habakkuk 1:3-4 states: Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. (4) Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that just is perverted
You know, I also hate racism. The stories of racial hatred of past generations rips at my heart. But, I can’t change what happened in the past. And, I fully understand I have not walked in shoes others have worn. So, I will continue to pray that God will use me to bring people together through his power of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Personally, I believe the primary factor motivating Alabama politics today is colored green, not black or white.
The time has come for God’s people to step up and start addressing the epidemic of drugs, alcohol and violence in our neighborhoods where we are raising our children. I have been encouraged by the increased number of outspoken Christians who are now members of the Alabama Legislature. (That is not a coincidence).
I truly believe the entire world will soon get a chance to witness God’s word come to life through the Christian character of the members of the Alabama Legislature. (Now that’s a reason to have a parade and throw a party!)
God Bless America!!!

Allen Farley represents Jefferson and Shelby Counties in the Alabama Legislature’s House District 15. Representative Farley’s email is allenfarley@bellsouth.net