Illuminating Darkness
Another senseless tragedy has rocked our country… nine innocent people massacred during a bible study at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Identified as a “hate crime,” the assailant is linked to a white supremacist following and admits he was targeting African Americans as his victims.
As the news hits the airwaves, I happen to be driving through the South from Atlanta to Charleston. The hub of the Civil Rights Movement nearly 60 years ago still seems to be struggling to change their history of human inequality and the old ideologies they attribute to their “heritage.” Experiencing the new Civil Rights Museum in Atlanta and its interactive and sensory exhibits which bear witness to the atrocities, the cold-blooded murders, the inhumane treatment and abuse, and the civil and human rights violations is emotional and devastating to say the least. It’s particularly disturbing in the aftermath of what took place in Charleston only days ago.
Charleston seems quiet and somber, peacefully grieving together… surprising, given the recent uprisings in Baltimore and North Charleston. The nation braced for another violent riot, which could have been understandable or even justifiable due to the blatant bigotry and unconscionable premeditated nature of this brutal attack. But Charleston did not further divide itself by racially tearing people apart. They did not hurl accusations against each other. They did not retaliate violently in protest against one another. They did not invade the city in which they live, work, and raise their families.
Instead, they drew together in a supportive embrace. Demonstrations of solidarity and love are sprinkled throughout the city on billboards and signs, through smiles and handshakes. The Confederate flag that represents a 150-year old mentality has finally been asked to resign, and every star-spangled American flag is lowered to half-mast in mourning. The city is united in their grieving process, harmonious in their response to this inconceivable crime, and integrated in their efforts to begin to heal together.
The recent turn of heartbreaking events has compelled each of us to look within. We are challenged to examine our inner philosophy, our cultural beliefs, our biases, our choices, our sense of integrity, and our ability to forgive. In the wake of this tragedy, we witness an amazing sense of strength, courage, and compassion in the responses of the victims and their families. Let this inspire each of us to soften our hearts, to transform anger and revenge into kindness and forgiveness, and to move through this world in an effort to bring peace, respect, and understanding to all we encounter along the way.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.