It’s been just over 24 hours since chaos reigned at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC.  During the past 24 hours, 9 people were killed, a congregation was violated, an assassin was captured, a community was terrorized, a people were traumatized, a nation was torn.  Although everyone agrees that the act itself was horrific, discussions about the motives of Dylan Storm Roof quickly polarize the opinionated.  Those who consider his act a ‘hate crime’ become firmly opposed to those who label him as a ‘troubled youth’.  While this debate rages on, the gulf between opinions epitomizes the great need for continued strides towards national healing.  We have come a long way since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech; however, the journey is by no means complete.

While casual observers busy themselves with debating racial issues and the state of our nation, family members of Pastor Clementa Pinckney, Sister Cynthia Hurd, Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Brother Tywanza Sanders, Sister Ethel Lee Lance, Sister Susie Jackson, Reverend DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Sister Myra Thompson and Reverend Daniel L. Simmons, Sr. will be making final preparations for their loved ones.  While commentators debate the differences between of ‘hate crime’ versus ‘pre-meditated murder’, the Emanuel AME Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church with it’s entire Connectional Family will be mourning the loss of their pastor and holding each other up to carry on the work of ministry.  While the world watches the judicial system, the body of Christ galvanizes to pray.  The enemy intended this act to plant fear, to stir further unrest and to distract us from te work of ministry.  But, the enemy is vanquished, his plan is voided and his purpose is in vain. Our Stand: “All things work together for good…” (Romans 8:28); Our Stance: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)

As these 9 souls have transitioned to their heavenly reward, those of us who remain now have the opportunity to become a bright light in the midst of great darkness.   Our weapons are not carnal, yet we take by force! As we unify, their lives shall be magnified, Christ’s church shall be edified and our God shall be glorified!