I have been fascinated with the life of Sam Houston since first reading about him when I was a fourth or fifth grader. Read ahead and see what you think.
Sam Houston was born in 1793 in Virginia
He was 14 when his father died and the Houston family moved to Tennessee
Sam ran away from home and lived with the Cherokee Indians for nearly 3 years,
(he was adopted by the chief and given the name "raven").
He returned home, became a teacher and set up an 'academy' in a log house.
In 1813 he joined the militia. He ended up under the command of Andrew Jackson in a
battle against Creek Indians who had killed about 400 men, women and children. In
the defeat of the Creeks, Sam was wounded with an arrow in his thigh and two rifle
balls in his right arm and shoulder. Andrew Jackson never forgot Sam's bravery.
In 1818, Sam passes the bar exam and becomes a lawyer.
From 1823 to 1827 he served in the U.S. Congress.
Sam is elected governor of Tennessee
1829 Sam resigns as governor and moved back to live with the Cherokee. (I have
read the marriage was political for the bride's parents and Sam returns her to them
stating the marriage was never consummated).
Sam returns to Washington D.C.
government agents.
In 1832, he is sent to Texas
the Indians.
In 1835, Sam is chosen commander of the Texas militia rebelling against Mexico
In 1836, he defeats General Santa Anna at San Jacinto .
In 1836, Sam Houston is elected President of the Republic of Texas
In 1846, he is selected as a U.S. Senator from the new State of Texas
In 1859, Sam is elected Governor of Texas.
In 1861, Sam is deposed because of his unsuccessful attempt to prevent secession.
In 1863, Sam Houston dies at age 70.
I continue to be amazed and cannot imagine the 'ups' and 'downs' he experienced during his lifetime. Other men like Moses and David of the Old Testament had their share of 'highs' and 'lows' and yet, years later, we continue to read about these great men.
Where are you today, in a 'high' or 'low' period in your life? Do we have the stamina, courage, or FAITH to continue to have hope? We may never be acknowledged like these men of the past, but God tells you and I, "Do not be anxious about anything...." Phil. 4:6; "Cast all your anxiety on Him..." I Peter 5:7; "...the man who trusts in the Lord is like a tree...that is not anxious in the year of drought..." Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Wherever you are in life, God is always available to those who seek and trust Him.
Doug Burns
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