Homefolks U.S.A.
Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
11:21 am Friday, March 20, 2020

Homefolks U.S.A.

Hi folks,

Today I heard a person make the remark that the health scare folks are experiencing today also happened many years ago when the polio epidemic hit our country.

That’s probably true. We know many people from right here in our county that contracted polio. Some cases were more severe than others.

The polio scare soon passed when the Salk vaccine invented by Dr. Jonas Salk was developed. Let us all hope and pray a cure will soon be available for the coronavirus as well.

So far no cases have been reported in Franklin County, but a lot of safety precautions are being made available.

The scare has brought out the selfish side of a lot of people. When folks will buy more than they can possibly use, it really shows their lack of respect for the person that really needs food and other products to help get them through these difficult times.

As a small boy in Rockwood, I can remember our neighbor Janet Gentle, who spent her life in an Iron Lung because she had contracted polio. She lived several years in Rockwood before moving to Birmingham.

When she passed away, the family was living in California.

Her sister Lillie also had polio, a mild case. Lillie went on to become a Hollywood star and starred in several movies.

The last report I heard, she was in a wheelchair, and the polio had taken a toll on her life in her late years.

With all the precautions our country is putting in place, maybe this terrible virus will be cured in the early stage. I hope and trust we will look to the Creator and ask for his guidance during this time in our country.

The sheep are animals that need guidance. They are always very nervous, afraid, and they see danger in everything they do. They have to have a shepherd to keep them in line.

Most all of us are like sheep, but the important thing we need to realize is, we have a shepherd who loves us and will see us through this difficult time.

We are told in the Bible, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal this land.” –II Chron. 7:14.

Let’s keep the faith.  It’s gonna be OK.

Til next time,

Your friend,

Bobby


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Wash your hands and say a prayer. Jesus and germs are everywhere!

Also on Franklin County Times
Walk Thru Bethlehem captures Christmas story
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 10, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Russellville First Baptist Church’s annual Walk Thru Bethlehem over the weekend transformed two downtown blocks into a first-century se...
Use of force: ‘It’s a split-second decision’
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Kevin Taylor For the Franklin County Times 
December 10, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE –Before each shift at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, supervisors will always talk about officer safety. They talk about incidents ...
Tree lighting ceremony draws crowd in Red Bay
News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 10, 2025
RED BAY — Members of the community gathered downtown Nov. 30 for the annual tree lighting ceremony, which brought students, local organizers and famil...
Rideshare drivers should be able to understand English
Columnists, Opinion
December 10, 2025
When I was in college, if we needed a ride, we would either call a friend or walk home. These days, however, millions of Americans rely on rideshare s...
‘Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular’ gets ready to take stage
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
December 10, 2025
By Susie Hovater Malone Columnist The Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular does more than bring holiday joy to the stage each December. It unites our communit...
Golden Tigers split contests with Belgreen
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
December 10, 2025
The Russellville Golden Tigers visited the Belgreen Bulldogs and each school picked up a win. Russellville’s girls defeated Belgreen by a final score ...
PC Lady Bobcats win 3 games
High School Sports, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
December 10, 2025
Phil Campbell picked up three wins this week beating Shoals Christian 49-34, Cherokee 55-21 and Lexington 52-41. In the Shoals Christian win Phil Camp...
Romero makes triumphant return to stage
News, Phil Campbell
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
December 10, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — When Jonathon Romero first walked out as Sweeney Todd during the show’s opening weekend, it marked a triumphant return to the stage af...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *