Sadness Meets Outrage

Wednesday evening, June 17, 2015, members of the congregation of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church gathered for Bible study and prayer.  At some point, a young man walked into the church and was welcomed to join them,  For an hour, he participated with them - at what level, we do not know.  He was touched by their warmth and kindness and as he told police officers, he nearly changed his mind about his mission.

He didn't.  Hate had long since hardened his heart and he quickly grabbed onto the racism he believed as truth and shot three men and six women before he walked back out of the church.  Nine lives ended and many more were forever changed.  A place of worship became a crime scene and shock gripped the city and the nation.

My heart is broken.  Broken for the families left without a loved one.  Broken for a church community - a sanctuary bloodied and broken.  Broken for the young man who is hardened by hate. Broken for his family who must be hurting.  I'm so sad for the lives that ended for no other reason than the color of their skin.

Angry at my country pretending that the 60's solved the issue of racism in America.  Angry that we turn our backs to ongoing racism and hatred that so many of our brothers and sisters must deal with every single day.  Angry that my elected officials, our government are more worried about politics than solving moral and social issues.

I was outraged to learn that the confederate flag flies in South Carolina.  Outraged that my African-American brothers and sisters walk and drive down streets named for confederate generals.  I'm heartbroken that my own white privilege blocks me from really understanding all the ways and all the places that racism exists.

My heart is crying out - "I need to do something.  All this death cannot be for naught.  What can I do? What can I do?"

What will result for this horrific tragedy?  Is this the thing that will wake us up and push us into action?  Will the examples of grace and forgiveness from the victims' families show us that love is stronger than hate?

I pray that in a couple of weeks, we will not just go about our business.  I pray that the outrage and sadness will move us into action.  I don't think my heart will let me go about life as usual.  I pray it won't,  Lord, in your mercy.  Hear our prayer.