Every Raindrop; A Tear

Could it be that all the rain that has fallen this week over our country represents the tears falling for the tragedy in South Carolina? Our country has wept a billion tears this last week. Every raindrop, a tear. Every tear, a raindrop. Nine innocent people coming together to pray, now dead. Family members, now grieving those dead. Charleston grieving. South Carolina grieving. A country grieving. Our God grieving.

It seems there are no answers, only questions. Of course, we ask those typical "why" questions. "Why God? Where were you, God? Did you not care, God? Why didn't you stop it from happening, God?" Although, those are questions that many might ponder, perhaps we might want to ask..."How can good come from such horrific evil? How can God be glorified through tragedy?"

Let's start with Governor Nikki Haley. She shared several good things coming from this senseless act. In her speech, she stated "We're seeing love, we're seeing prayers, we're seeing support and we're seeing humility. And for that, I want to tell you I am thankful....It's a very, very sad day in South Carolina, but it is a day that we will get through, it is a day that we will remember and it is a day that will allow us to get stronger."

Meet Debbie, a North Carolina florist. She was driving to work on Thursday morning after the shootings and noticed a black car, similar to the one described on the news. Debbie admitted to getting nervous. She didn't see herself as a brave person. But, she started talking to the Lord about it. She pulled close to the vehicle and saw a young man with a bowl haircut. She called her boss, who called the authorities. She was able to catch up with the car and get this tag number.  The suspect was soon caught.

Debbie doesn't see herself as a hero. She simply states "God just used me. If we are a willing vessel, He can use us, but we've got to open up our hearts and minds. I don't know why he chose me....but he's got to be glorified in all- in everything and He's going to get the glory one way or the other...and I hope He's pleased with me more than anyone else."

Finally, consider Emanuel AME Church. At a time where racial tension has polarized many communities with even more hatred, God is using the church and the Charleston community to love. To forgive. To pray. To unite.

Please notice the responses of Governor Nikki, Debbie and the church. There is a way to respond to hate crimes. There is a way to be used by God. It involves an active and vital relationship with the God of this universe. God delights in us remembering good things amidst the bad as the Governor did. God delights in using weak people to do courageous acts like Debbie, the florist. God delights in us when we respond to hatred with love, like the church. Go and do likewise.

"My prayer is that we will all fix our eyes on things eternal, and hold to God's unchanging hand. We have become blinded by hatred... Blinded by politics...Blinded by our economy... Blinded by jealousy...Blinded by rage... Blinded by social status...and blinded by greed." Marcus Stanley

Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.