Posted on 06/19/2015 5:16:14 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Hate won’t win.
In a heartwrenching display of strength and mercy Friday, relatives of the men and women massacred at a black church in South Carolina told the racist madman who murdered their loved ones that they forgave him.
“Although my grandfather and the other victims died at the hands of hate, this is proof — everyone’s plea for your soul — that they lived in love and their legacies will live in love. So hate won’t win, and I just want to thank the courts for making sure that hate isn’t winning,” said a granddaughter of retired pastor Daniel Simmons, 74.
“I just want everybody to know, to you, I forgive you,” said Nadine Collier, a daughter of victim Ethel Lance, 70.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
I watched that. They are better than I am.
Such a contrast to the way things were handled in Ferguson, or in Baltimore. I have been entirely impressed by the African American community in Charleston. They are cohesive, classy, well spoken and civilized. It’s amazing what an influence the Christian faith has had in this community ..... God Bless them all in their grief — may they heal as much as possible in due time, and know that someday they will be with their loved ones again in the heavens above.
I hate to pee in the punchbowl but...
These people are in shock. When my son died, I wasn’t thinking critically. I was stunned and I was sweetness and kumbaya for a couple of weeks.
I pray, for them, that they continue to feel and act this way. Anger is a terrible burden. But realizing you’ve given absolution before you can feel your anger may be worse.
Since when are things like this done in court? This is insane.
“I’m glad the Judge let these people honor their loved ones and profess their faith.”
Me too, and this young man (Chris Singleton) who honored his mother today is a national treasure as a human being. I’m still fighting tears at what he said.
Correction, I know these things are done at sentencing (and I think they are wrong then too), but how can we have justice if some victims are valued more than others?
Amen. They are better Christians than I.
Much like the Amish that lost all those children in Nickel Mines (Lancaster), PA in October 2006 to a crazed gunman. They forgave the attacker and felt sorry for the State Trooper who had to tell them.
Greater Christians than I, by far.
We have become a sick society.
You are confusing liberal do gooderness with obeying the commands of God. Jesus showed mercy, love and forgiveness. We are called to do the same.
Sorry mrsmith, it ain’t the Christians that are wrecking this world.
It’s overwrought and irrational, you stupid froot.
A few people get it, I guess.
No, the Christians weren’t the producers of that show. Merely actors in it.
In the judicial process I prefer judicial proceedings to theatrical set-pieces. Uplifting or not.
You're right it's a beautiful statement of their faith ... Prayers for these these strong Christians - may God watch over them...
A courtroom is not one of them, especially at this stage of the proceedings.
No trial will ever bring back their loved ones. I doubt they’re overly concerned about the legal process at this point.
“There are innumerable venues for that kind of display, most appropriately, in a church.
A courtroom is not one of them, especially at this stage of the proceedings.”
This transcends any government/court of law venue. This is God’s venue. The courtroom rightly got out of the way.
Stunts like this don't help.
He knew the victims personally.
When they asked them about the judge allowing the family to make statement, he said that it was NOT helpful. He attested to the families nature of forgiveness.
Although he did not say it, I think he may be concerned that those same statements may cause some problem judicially.
Regardless of all that, the families not only talk the talk of a Christian, they also walk the walk.
I don't know if I could do that if I was in their shoes.
Interesting perspective. Sorry you lost your son — must have and must be still so hard. Prayers for you.
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