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Michael Fox CPCC,
founder of m·agine!,
is a professional
coach and trainer,
author and creative artist, whose work has been featured throughout
the world.
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Living water:
replenishing, cleansing, refreshing...
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Thirty-odd miles northeast of Natchez, accessible only by a narrow dirt road, is what remains of the port town of Rodney, Mississippi. Assuming you're fortunate to notice the sign amidst the ubiquitous kudzu, a small rusted arrow of sheet metal stamped with the word "RODNEY" is the only affirmation of your approach. Until the moment I and my traveling companions--my
nephew Kevin and friend and mentor Lynwood Smith--stumbled into the midst of the ruins, I was convinced we were lost and running out of road. What remains of the town, nested in the overgrowth, is a hodgepodge of early structures in varied stages of ruin and restoration and the occasional trailer home where squatters have taken up residence.
Rodney was founded in 1828 and by mid-century had become a teeming port, the largest on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and St. Louis. At one time, the town came within three votes of becoming the state capital. Rodney was home to two banks, over thirty shops, the first opera house in the state, two newspapers, and, in 1860, four thousand residents and hundreds of visitors at any one time.
As an aside, it's nearly impossible to tell the story of Rodney without recalling the events of September 12th, 1863. The story has no relevance to this post; I just find it amusing. Please indulge me...
After the fall of Vicksburg, the Union Navy was placed in charge of the Mississippi River. The Rattler, a Union gunboat, was docked at Rodney to maintain the peace. Its crew would line the deck of the boat every Sunday morning and watch the beautiful southern belles stroll to worship. On Sunday, the 12th of September, contrary to the admiral's orders, twenty-four of the sailors--among them a captain and a lieutenant--left the Rattler in full uniform to attend the services of the Presbyterian church. During the second hymn, one Lieutenant Allen of the Confederate Cavalry entered the church and walked up the aisle to the pulpit. He made his apologies to the Reverend Baker, then turned and announced that his men had surrounded the church. He demanded that the Union sailors surrender. Reportedly, one of the sailors hid behind a door and fired his pistol at Lieutenant Allen. In the melee that ensued, most of the congregants dove for cover under the pews; one sailor hid neath the skirt of his southern girlfriend. An elderly lady refused to cower; she stood on her bench and cried out, "Glory to God!"
When the small crew that remained aboard the Rattler heard the commotion, they opened fire upon the church. The church and four homes were hit; a cannonball, to this day, is lodged in the facade of the Presbyterian house of worship. Inside the church, the Confederates had taken seventeen sailors hostage--including the officers. Lieutenant Allen sent word that if the Rattler did not cease fire, the hostages would be hanged. As a result, the crew of the Rattler surrendered to Lieutenant Allen; it was the first, and presumably the only, time in history that a naval war ship had been captured by a cavalry unit. (As I peered through the windows of the old church, it struck me that Walt Disney missed an obvious opportunity for a movie starring, naturally, Don Knotts and Tim Conway.)
But, back to Rodney. What happened to this once-vital port on the Mississippi River?
Well, in 1870, the mighty, yet capricious, Mississippi River began to change its course. Today, the Mississippi River flows three miles west of the former cultural center of Rodney. Over time, as the river
distanced itself from Rodney, the town dried up and withered away.
So...what's the learning...the point? Scripture routinely employs flowing water as a metaphor for life and wisdom. Without the continually replenishing,
cleansing, refreshing influence of flowing water--life and wisdom, there is ruin.
Witness the testimony of Rodney, Mississippi.
What's the river that continually replenishes, cleanses, and refreshes you physically, emotionally, spiritually? What's possible?
How might a time in your life relate to Rodney, Mississippi?
Who do you need to be, what do you need to do, to make sure your river never changes course, three miles to the west?
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Michael Fox
m·agine!
530/613.2774
P.O. Box 9144
Auburn, CA, USA 95604
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In addition to personal and professional coaching,
m·agine! specializes in spiritual transformation coaching,
employing its proprietary models: Values, Vision, Voice and Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength.
Michael's books include Complete in Christ,
Complete in Christ Spiritual Transformation Workbook, and Biblio·files.
Coaching fees are based upon a sliding scale. Contact us for details.
Limited scholarships are available for spiritual transformation coaching.
On the flip side, if you are able, please inquire about opportunities
to fund scholarships for those who cannot afford coaching fees.
View our archives!
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