This past week, a black man drove onto the property of the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch, Tennessee, pulled out a handgun, shot and killed a 38 year old white woman and then proceeded inside the church building and shot seven more members of that congregation. The woman he killed leaves behind two children, both parents, a sister, and three grandparents.
Now, I'm not sure how many of the victims were white and how many were black, but that's not my point. My point is, while the politically charged rhetoric in the last few years has been "Black Lives Matter" and the media has been quick to pounce on any and all events involving "White to Black" crimes, they have been remarkably quiet regarding this tragedy.
The headlines on CNN were as follows, (only two days after the event).
Trump's NFL, Puerto Rico tweets prove his goal is to divide, not unite.
NFL player who stood alone for national anthem has top-selling jersey.
Private emails say much about Trump WH.
3 Israelis shot dead at West Bank crossing.
Equifax CEO quits after credit data breach.
Republicans scrutinize health care failure.
Kurdish referendum: Iraq OKs use of force.
HK court: Lesbian partner to get spouse visa.
CNN had nothing on their home page about this crime. Even Fox News only mentioned the funeral of Melanie Crow at the bottom of its homepage.
My question is, where is Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson denouncing this despicable act? Where are the protesters with signs held high boasting "White Lives Matter" or even, "Christian Lives Matter?" From what I can tell, both Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have tweeted about the NFL players kneeling for the National Anthem, but not a single tweet offering sympathy to the families of the one killed and those injured, let alone, condemning the actions of the coward who committed this horrendous act.
The family of Melanie L. Crow, (pictured above), the woman that was ruthlessly killed, will never be the same. The heartbreak they now carry will be a heartbreak they will carry for the rest of their lives. It will only cease when they leave this sin-filled world.
As to which lives matter? The Bible clears the air in regard to the world's confusion on this issue.
ALL LIVES MATTER!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 (Emphasis mine).
The world God loves and sent His Son to die for... was and is a world of white, black, red, yellow, and brown people. He loved and loves all of them... equally. In the mind of God, no race holds any superiority over any other, nor does He prefer any race over any other. God wants all men to be saved.
Who [God] will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1st Timothy 2:4 (Emphasis mine).
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2nd Peter 3:9 (Emphasis mine).
Since God wants ALL men to be saved, ALL LIVES MATTER to God.
Again, God does not prefer one race over another, as a matter of fact, God has punctuated that point over and over within the pages of the New Testament.
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Romans 10:12
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:11
The issue of race and which lives matter has been laid to rest in the mind of God. It would seem to me, that if the Almighty has spoken and made clear His will regarding this issue, then it should be clear and resolved in the minds of all men everywhere. Regretfully however, not all men heed the word and will of God. Hence, the world is full of hate and prejudice, which conceives and gives birth to pain... pain like the members of the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ must now endure.
Prejudice, in any shape, form, or fashion, has no place in the lives of Christians. Here at Marsh Harbour, being white I am in the minority, but not once have any of the black members of this church ever made me feel out of place, unwelcomed, or lacking worth. They love me with no regard to the color of my skin and I love them regardless of the color of theirs. THAT is how the church is supposed to be. We would all do well, Christian and Non-Christian alike, to remember the words of a simple children's song:
"Jesus loves the little children All the children of the world Red, brown, yellow, black and white They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world."
We are the children of God... despite the media's disregard of God, Christ, and Christianity, we must love as He loved... red, yellow, black or white.
Our prayers are lifted up for the body of Christ in Antioch, Tennessee.
May God comfort you as only He can. May He bear you up and hold you close. May He give you peace in the midst of your pain. May He give you hope of a glorious reunion that will one day come. God bless you and keep you.
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