FROM THE TOP
LELAND ACKER chreporter@mediactr.com
Proverbs 31 says, "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her value is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life... many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all."

There is a saying that behind every successful man is a great woman. I think the same can be said of Lady Bird Johnson.

It is said that her late husband, Lyndon Baines Johnson, once said that being a journalist revealed an inherent flaw in a man's character. Ironically, Lady Bird held a degree in journalism from the University of Texas. President Johnson's comment was likely a joke told to reporters in an informal setting.

Lady Bird was a virtuous woman, who stood by her husband through tough years in Congress, his time as Vice-President, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Civil Rights movement and legislation, the Great Society, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and the decision not to run for re-election in 1968.

Being a First Lady has to be tough, but there was more to Lady Bird than just appearing with her husband for public appearances. She had her own merit, much like the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. She advocated the Head Start program, from which many of our children benefit today. She loved the environment, and promoted the Highway beautification act. She was largely responsible for beautification programs in Austin

After leaving the White House, she stayed active in conservation and beautification efforts, founding the National Wildflower Research Center with Helen Hayes in 1982.

Lady Bird was awarded the Medal of Freedom by Gerald Ford in 1974 and received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1988. Her name has been lent to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin and the Lady Bird Johnson Park, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

The daughter of a business man from Karnack, born in a time when women could barely have careers, let alone be expected to impact their world, Lady Bird made the best of every situation and has left behind a great legacy.

Her children rise up and call her blessed. May her life and legacy continue to bless this nation and inspire others to do likewise. We'll remember you, Claudia Alta Taylor-Johnson.