Sunday June 21, 2015
Let me start this off by saying that I am writing this first and foremost as a Christian. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for our sins and was resurrected from the dead. I believe in His return. I say this because I know that my nine sisters and brothers in Christ left this world this past Wednesday night in Charleston at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, believing the same thing and believing that this is the way to everlasting life, a life that no terrorist could ever touch.
I felt the need to write something in wake of this tragedy, but I was stuck at a wall not knowing what I wanted to say. I usually take notes of my experiences throughout the week and begin writing from there, but I was lost and I couldn't write anything. I didn't want to write about racism, gun control, mental illness, or evil. I needed to talk about hope, faith and love. I had questions I didn't know how to ask, but I found the answers. Or rather the answers found me. It started around two in the morning, while watching “The Bible” on Netfllix (of all things). I've watched the series through about three times now, toward the latter half of the series is an episode called "Mission." In it, Jesus begins his ministry and spreads the good news. It was in the scene where four friends bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus to be healed that I was able to break through the wall.
“A man was brought who was paralyzed. Four men were carrying him, but because of the crowd they could not get him near. So they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was, and when they had broken through they lowered the bed on which the paralyzed man was lying. When he saw their faith, Jesus said to the man, 'My son, your sins are forgiven.'”
Mark 2:3-5
Charleston came to mind. Paralyzed in fear, in sadness, in confusion. Wanting to get up, but with heavy emotions reigning down. Families and friends distraught. Then the four friends came to mind. How their faith healed their friend, literally breaking through the roof to help their friend. If the faith of four friends can do that, I thought what a city and country full of faithful friends would do.
I kept digging. I figured that using my Bible would be the best aid. I cannot speak for my fellow brothers and sisters as to what they would want, but I believe deep down that they would want the Word to keep reaching as many people as possible, so that's what I'll do.
Today the church opened its doors once more since Wednesday night. Not a single seat was left empty. Outside of the church, hundreds gathered to listen from the outside. Together they gathered to pay tribute and listen to the Word. The Word shared under the most dire of circumstances, but planted in the hearts of many, many whom I believe will share the message forward even further.
“You meant to do me harm; but God meant to bring good out of it by preserving the lives of many people, as we see today.”
Genesis 50:20
The thought of church kept lingering. During today's sermon Reverend Norvel Goff proclaimed "No evildoer, no demon in hell or on Earth can close the doors of God's church." Because the church isn't somewhere we go, it's who we are. It's our gathering. Emanuel AME is a symbol of that.
"For where two or three meet together in my name, I am there among them."
Matthew 18:20
There was an article on CNN that mentioned Roof appearing for a bond hearing on Friday. It mentioned how the families of the victims addressed him and said they forgave him. I broke down after reading that. The beauty of their extent of forgiveness, in the midst of everything, is something to behold. These families know that this is the way, that only this extent of love can conquer this extent of hate, because they know of what's to come.
"In the future let no one make trouble for me, for I bear the marks of Jesus branded on my body."
Galatians 6:17
“At present we see only puzzling reflections in a mirror, but one day we shall see face to face. My knowledge now is partial; then it will be whole, like God's knowledge of me. There are three things that last for ever: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of the three is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:12-13
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There shall be an end to death, and to mourning and crying and pain, for the old order has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
The victims:
Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45
Reverend Clementa Pinckney, 41
Cynthia Hurd, 54
Tywanza Sanders, 26
Myra Thompson, 59
Ethel Lee Lance, 70
Reverend Daniel L. Simmons, 74
Reverend Depayne Middleton-Doctor, 49
Susie Jackson, 87
Their last moments swayed in my thoughts. I thought of their duty, our duty, as Christians. What it meant, what it entails, and what lay ahead. Then the final answer to this writing came forth.
“But you must keep your head whatever happens; put up with hardship, work to spread the gospel, discharge all the duties of your calling. As for me, my life is already being poured out on the altar, and the hour for my departure is upon me. I have run the great race, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. And now awaits me the garland of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on the great day, and not to me alone, but to all who have set their hearts on his coming appearance...The Lord will rescue me from every attempt to do me harm, and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. Glory to him for ever and ever! Amen.”
2 Timothy 4:5-8,18
The Bible tells us that the prophet Isaiah foretold of the birth of a boy named Emanuel, during the middle of the Babylonian crisis. The name Emmanuel means "God is with us." In the case of Emanuel AME, I don't think it's meaning could ring any truer.
Peace and blessings my friends.
If you would like to make any donations, you can do so here.
