I left the gym at 5:30 p.m. and drove east over Eighth Street to Parade. This is a neighborhood that, lately, has been plagued with violent crimes, gunfire and beatings. At 5:30 on the first day of May, it looked just like any other neighborhood -- trees budding, new green grass growing up, tulips planted in front of houses.
As I drove toward Parade, I noticed a TV crew and a few black men holding signs. As I waited for the light, I read the sign. It said, "Non-violence begins with me."
Obviously a reaction to the violence in the neighborhood.
I turned south on Parade and that's when I saw that on all four corners of every intersection there were men holding the same sign.
I felt the tears welling up. I heard people honking in support, and I lost it.
Their hope.
Their faith.
It was humbling and overwhelming.
You have to admire their willingness to stand in the face of danger holding signs of peace.
"Non violence begins with me."
That's inspiring. That's encouraging. That's the hand of God.
My pastor closes each sermon with a mantra that fits here perfectly:
Do peace. Speak peace. Be peace.
Here's the whole story -- or as much as you get from a TV station (they don't exactly do in-depth coverage).
Comments (1)
Did anyone notice that this past Sunday, he didn't say, "Speak peace. Do peace. Be peace." ??? Dede and I geeked out in the choir.
I think it's awesome that people are taking a stand for non violence in our city. Peace is something we really need to hold on to... it may not be around much longer if we continue at the speed we're going.
Not sure if you've seen this, but I highly recommend you check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0FvG9GO8Qs&feature=related
Posted by Michelle F. | May 4, 2008 9:40 PM
Posted on May 4, 2008 21:40