Trying to Understand Hate is like trying to understand the bible, we know that it exists and we can read it, but it can be very hard to understand and process. By now, you have heard about the horrific shooting that has occurred in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. This is a church that is a staple not only in that area, but is a major staple in Black history and American history. On Wednesday night, a bible study was taken place and the shooter, whose name I will not advertise on this blog, shot and killed 9 people. Several news outlets said that the shooter said that we wanted to start a race war and specifically wanted to “kill black people”. Within roughly a half a day, the shooter was caught one state over in North Carolina. Of course, as time went on from the capture, the political pundits and people on social media took their jabs on what they thought it was from what it is. Some have called this a continued attack on “Black Christians” and others have called it a continued attack on “Blacks in America”. Ironically, it was Black Christians that were shot and killed in a Historic Black Church. Truly, this individual had a hard disdain for black people whom we thought were literally taken over the country.While this issue is being debated, I see a spiritual war being waged and that has been waged for thousands of years. When we lack the understanding and the compassion with which a group of people go through, there is an opportunity for Satan to sew his seed and let his reign of terror begin. We grieve and mourn for those that have been affected, but there is still a battle, no, a war to be waged spiritually and everyone on earth is involved.
No Fear of Sin, No Fear of God
I think it’s pretty clear that this lone gunman had no fear. Probably the only thing missing is that he wanted to go down in a blazed of glory. By that, I mean that in past situations, many “lone wolves” want a very large and responsive police presence as well as large amounts of media outlets. Their goal is to live in infamy and to be well known in history. I do not know if he was ever told or ever learned about God, but one thing is clear, he had nothing but evil within him and planned nothing short of a killing spree. Those of us rooted in the word knows that all that are evil will meet it’s demise just like in Psalm 36:1-4 which says…
“I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves to much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; the fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.”
We could make the most compelling are that we should seek revenge for this act of violence that happened in all places, a place of worship, but there are several reasons why we shouldn’t. First, the Lord has already set the wheels in motion for justice. Second, revenge will only bring more hurt and pain. Pending on the laws of the state, an individual who seeks revenge could be charged with murder. That said, a strong possibility of that man or woman not being able to see family and friends outside of prison walls can tear that family apart. Third, even though this just happened, we have an opportunity not to fall into the same trap that the devil has laid. Showing love and forgiveness in the midst of this tragedy is hard, almost impossible, but over time we must that a way to move forward before a seed from Satan is permanently planted in you.
Moving from Tragedy
Like any event such as the shooting that happened in that church, we must not only have a way to forgive but find a way to move forward. And we shouldn’t just come together because of the event. This is a perfect opportunity for us to truly begin bridging gaps and healing deep rooted wounds, especially for all Christians that are of different races. As time goes by, not only must we not forget this tragedy, but we must begin living by our own scripture. Lets not just “love thy neighbor” but let’s also get to “know thy neighbor”. On another note, security in churches will be a large topic, at least this week and should be for the weeks to come. Those of us that can attend regular service know how easy it is to reach the pulpit. Of course the bigger the church, the harder it can be. None the less, it is important to protect the Pastor of the church as well as the people within it. Proverbs 4:26-27 says…
“Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.”
Moving forward is such a critical part of healing. If we choose not to, only more hurt will come and after what has happened in Charleston, South Carolina, there is we all need to move forward, but we need to move…as Christians…and as a community…in sync ready to heal those that need it.
I will close this blog with the current NAACP President, Cornell William Brooks with some encouragement and empowering words
Unite The Body 