This week’s horror story in Charleston, SC has been on my mind and my heart. My grief and sense of sadness runs deep. My grief is compounded by the various politicians who are using this obvious act of racism, hatred, and ridiculous sense of entitlement by the 21 year old shooter to score points with their constituency. First of all, I hate getting embroiled in political volleyball because presumably nothing I say will convince those who have opposite values and beliefs from mine that they are wrong and I am right… but it is mind boggling to consider that anyone with even a modicum of intelligence would call what happened in that church to a loving accepting welcoming community of solid citizens an “accident” after they were mowed down by this jackass who was shouting crazy accusations as if he had just watched the movie Mandingo for the umpteenth time. Or the rest of the political hopefuls and so-called journalists who say that what happened was not an act of racism. Then, I read how those at Fox somehow want to blame liberals for creating an atmosphere of “religious animosity towards Christians”. Why can’t they call it what it is? This warped young man who is filled with hatred from where is anyone’s guess and who probably wanted to make a name for himself because his pathetic existence thus far meant that he was and would always be a nobody — decided this was the way to become famous. I also wish that media outlets would stop showing his face or using his name so that the exact opposite happens and no other dumb kids will have the same idea for his or her road to fame. Now that young people want to emulate those reality stars whose only claim to fame is making sex tapes or airing their dirty laundry on television cable channels I fear that we can sadly expect more horrific tragedies like this one.
My husband, a friend and I were just having a discussion the other day about young people who don’t want to work towards goals and just expect that they should be famous or get into Harvard, etc. We need to wise up and teach young children that not everyone who likes to play basketball will be as good or as famous as Michael Jordan. Not every kid who wants to be able to sing like the latest chart topper will get there. And, just because you want to go to Harvard or Yale doesn’t mean you don’t have to work at getting the grades or the SAT scores. I am truly afraid for the future.
My prayers are with the families and the community of Charleston. Yes, I am a proud Christian. No, I don’t believe that there is an atmosphere of religious animosity towards my church or me. I am also a person of color who has felt the barbs of discrimination at various times in my life. Racism is alive and well people and until we teach our children to love each other and to stop the hating our society will be far less than it can and should be. Please join me in prayers for all who are mourning the senseless loss of life and let’s focus on the forgiveness the families have expressed to the shooter. They are true heroes and should be acknowledged for their grace.
Be well.
Shirley
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