Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Charleston Mourns

Charleston church shooting. I cannot say much. We pray for the souls of the slain and for their families. What strikes me in wonder is how they refuse to hate back. They forgive the shooter and pray that he may repent and turn to Christ. It is their Christian faith, their hope in life everlasting with Jesus that allows them to respond with such grace. Christ alone can save. And on that terrible Wed night at Emmanuel AME Church, God was with us. He is always with us.

Requiescat in pace:  

The Rev. Clementa Pinckney
Cynthia Hurd
The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
Tywanza Sanders
Ethel Lance
Susie Jackson
Depayne Middleton Doctor
The Rev. Daniel Simmons
Myra Thompson

Although I'm still recovering from bronchitis, I was so glad to be back in the choir loft to sing this beautiful spiritual, There is a Balm in Gilead, at Holy Communion on Sunday. It refers to verses in Jeremiah. Enjoy this beautiful version by the one and only Paul Robeson.


 

6 comments:

Carol Baldwin said...

Glad to hear you are on the mend, Vijaya. Truly, we are all sinners desperate for God's mercy and grace. Shootings like this are horrific but point out the world's need for salvation.

Mirka Breen said...

The public reaction, so far, has been stunningly noble. No LA style riots, only people of all colors reaching out in prayer, like the ones who were slain. I pray it continues.

Jenni said...

I, too, was inspired by the forgiveness shown by the victims' families, a wonderful testament to Christ.

Yanting Gueh said...

Keeping the lost ones in our memories.

Vijaya said...

Amen, Carol. I know God will bring about greater good even from this horrible situation.

Mirka, I hope so too. There have been more black churches burned down in other parts of SC. We are all so wounded but we cannot pay back evil with evil.

Jenni, this forgiveness can only come from the grace of God.

Claudine, thank you.

Molly/Cece said...

Love.