By ALLEN FARLEY / Guest Columnist

As I sat listening to our church pastor talk about a New Testament-era Roman governor named Felix, I found my mind drifting from the stories found in scripture to the faces of individuals I regularly pass in the hallways of the Alabama State House. (I don’t know about you, but God often uses ancient stories found in his word to give me better understanding of today’s issues.)
Acts: 24:22 states: Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings.
It will absolutely boggle your mind when you look at the number of legal, business and educational giants who have been elected to serve the citizens of Alabama in the Alabama Legislature. There are lawyers, judges, business owners, business executives and yes, more than one doctor. Then, start counting the number of classroom teachers, college professors, PhDs and former high school coaches wearing championship rings.
I can assure you I do not have the educational or financial credentials to stand with the vast majority of the men and women currently serving in the Alabama Legislature. They are an amazing group of highly successful individuals. So, as a retired law enforcement officer, why has God given me the privilege to walk the hallways of the Alabama State House?
What type college degree or what amount of financial success can qualify a person to truly care for the welfare of others? I remember talking to a state government leader in Montgomery about Jefferson County workers loosing their jobs while an attorney representing a Jefferson County politician was making $80,000 a month. The only response was: “That’s unbelievable!”
Acts 24:25 states: As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
God Bless America!!!

Allen Farley represents portions of Jefferson and Shelby County in the Alabama Legislature’s House District 15. Representative Farley can be contacted at allenfarley@bellsouth.net, or 960-7526.