Top row: Cynthia Hurd, Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
middle row: Daniel Simmons, Rev. Depayne Middleton Doctor, Tywanza Sanders
Bottom row: Myra Thompson, Ethel Lee Lance, Susie Jackson
Almost a year ago, I released this statement to numerous outlets after learning of the shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church:
“Tragedy amplifies our desperate desire to hear a word from God. In the midst of suffocating times, sojourners gathered last night and placed their ears to the sky. As a testament to their love, the group welcomed a stranger. When the shots rang out, the nine souls of Mother Emanuel AME Church heard the beautiful comforting of words of God, ‘Let not your hearts be troubled…’ As we hear the echoes of last night, may we not forget that God is preparing a place for us beyond all that holds us back. If we are willing, racism and violence can die today. Listen. Can you hear the words of God calling us to make it so?”
Now, I believe these words as much as I ever have.
Amen.
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