Some interesting words from Sen. Robert C. Byrd, in his weekly commentary:
This year, 2010, is the fortieth anniversary of the premier of John Denver’s musical tribute to West Virginia as “almost heaven.”
When I think of Denver’s classic song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” (which was co-written with Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert) I think about the things that make West Virginia so unique. First, of course, is the kind and generous nature of the people of our beloved state. Next, I picture the beauty and serenity of our mountains. They seem sacred, and, in fact, mountains are a frequent location for events in the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments. It was on Mt. Sinai that God revealed himself to Moses and gave Him the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:16 and 20:17). God allowed Moses to view the Promised Land from a mountain. It was on Mt. Carmel where Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal, and, on Mt. Ararat that Noah’s Ark came to rest (Genesis 8:4).
Some of the most important teachings of Jesus, as well as the critical events in His life took place in the mountains. The Transfiguration of Jesus, one of the most important Miracles, took place on a mountain, probably Mount Tabor (Luke 9:28-43). It was on Mount Olives that Jesus instructed His disciples (Matthew 24:3). The third temptation of Christ took place on a mountain, so that Jesus could see the kingdoms of the world. (Matthew 4:8-9). And, of course, Jesus delivered perhaps His most important Sermon, the “Sermon on the Mount,” from a hillside, where he also gave us the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 5-7). Jesus gave His life for our salvation and was crucified on a hill, Golgotha (Calvary).
Throughout the Bible, examples of the powerful and mystical significance of mountains can be found. For example, Isaiah 25:6 tells us of the celestial banquet on Mount Zion that is a symbol of eternal happiness, and the coming of the Kingdom of God. And one of my favorite passages from the Bible, Psalm121:1, reads: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”
Contemplating the use of mountains and hillsides as symbols in Holy Scripture, underscores what a special gift our mountains are for the people of West Virginia. Majestic, inspiring, and, at times, intimidating, our mountains remind us of the glory of the view after the challenge of the climb. Perhaps that is why West Virginians retain a stalwart and independent character, always inspired by possibilities and undaunted by difficulties.
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Thank you Senator Byrd for this reminder to ALL West Virginian’s of the value of Appalachian Mountains. We don’t have to destroy them for jobs.
Thank God finally someone recognizes this value.
Thank You Senator Bryd.
The mountains bring us peace as the bible says in Psalms 72
Elegant words from Senator Byrd! He did, however, leave out another rather important passage: “Defile not the earth, lest it vomit you out.”
It’s a pity he didn’t mention that were Jesus around in Boone, Logan, Mingo, Raleigh or Fayette Counties today, he might well be forced by necessity to deliver his sermon from the spoil of some hillside blasted away by mountaintop removal. Of course, had he done so, he might’ve had to add one more Beatitude: “Blessed are the blasted, for they shall be poisoned.”
Also noteworthy is the fact that Jesus PASSED his third temptation, when he was offered the world and all its dominions. Many of West Virginia’s politicians, on the other hand, have routinely failed that test, taking the Devil’s deal in exchange for campaign cash from the coal companies.
Once again, Senator Byrd is proving that he is the man of God that he was called to be. The importance of the mountains and their relevance to our survival is well stated. Thank you
While he’s definitely closer to passing from this world than most of us, it’s useful to remember that any of us could go at any time. Our treatment in the afterlife, whether in a heavenly or otherwise domain or in the memories of those we leave behind, will depend on our choices in this life and the mercy of those who judge us.
Sen. Byrd has certainly never been anti-coal or anti-miner. His words here touch the hearts of those of us who live in the mountains and look to them as a priceless gift from God and not merely the disposable packaging for coal. Rarely do we talk about the beauty, serenity, and spiritual significance of the mountains, but rather focus on the hazards to communities from MTR. In this piece, and his previous op-ed calling for an end to scapegoating and fear-mongering, Sen. Byrd inspires respect from many of us who disagree with his promotion of coal and CCS. Gov. Manchin, Sen. Rockefeller, and Rep. Rahall should pay attention.
It’s a beautiful song however, let’s keep things in perspective. John Denver nor the writers of the song had ever been to West Virginia before the song was released. West Virginia fit in the lyrics, if not, the song could have well been Virginia, mountain momma, or Maryland, where the song was actually inspired. Country Roads was hardly sung as a tribute to the state. Bob’s taking a little political license. I think it’s fine that we have adopted it but that does not make it born of us.