The terrible killing of 9 black parishioners few days ago has me reflecting. I too went thru the sudden, violent loss of a loved one. It’s been comforting to see, feel the mood of ‘grace’ that’s coming from the AME church members and other Carolinians. I was so glad to hear the forgiving words of various loved ones towards the killer, I think it’s made an impact on the type of news coverage that’s been given. There hasn’t been the same old panicked TV coverage like for a tragedy of that magnitude as there usually is.
As a Christian I was gratified at how different races worked together to help solve the crime. A white Christian woman was used by God to look for the murderer. She shared how she was driving with her husband the morning after the shooting, and spotted the killer in his car and called police to alert them of his location. He was immediately caught and who knows how many more lives may have been saved? She said she wanted to be used by God and was so glad she could help. That to me is another example of God’s hand in the whole situation, the entire community was affected by her quick thinking and openness to God.
Tim Scott, the black U.S. Senator from So. Carolina, said the incident has brought Carolinians together. He and others were questioned about gun control, etc, but no one wanted to deal with that issue at this stage. “What the enemy meant for evil, God will make for good,” he said. Great to see the lack of political hype, no anger towards whites, but godly comfort.
I’m still angry that Marc was taken from this world, but I ‘choose’ forgiveness, not ‘hate’. I’ve listened to AME family members of the victims share how their loved ones were people of ‘love’, and that’s exactly how I felt right after Marc was lost. I looked up to heaven and told him, ‘It’s not over , Marc, this is not the end, God has the final say.’ It wasn’t some sentimental emotion, but Marc lived by godly values that still inspire me …. our great times together are stronger than any temptation to hate.