On that day, a mob ambushed one of our national symbols, the U.S. Capitol. During my over twenty years on the east coast, I have witnessed 9-11, the DC sniper, an earthquake, a pandemic and now an attack by homegrown terrorists on one of our most powerful national landmarks. The activity was shameful! The sacred halls and offices of Congress were vandalized, Congressional leadership had to be evacuated, five people died, and not nearly enough people were arrested. As a superpower within the world, it is unfortunate that the day ended with a session of Congress being interrupted during a pivotal time in our electoral process; the certification of President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s victory.
The horrific actions on Wednesday, January 6, were unlike anything we had experienced. What has historically been an uneventful process was turned into a demonstration of some of the most vile behavior that our country has witnessed. I felt a tremendous amount of sadness, disbelief, shame, anger, disrespect, anxiety and anguish at the glaring display of racial disparity. In the words of Fannie Lou Hamer, “I am sick and tired, of being sick and tired.” Our words matter and we must hold our politicians, community leaders, neighbors, friends and colleagues accountable. We must remember Matthew 15:18, But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man, and Proverbs 18:21, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Yes, weeping may endure for a night, but Democracy did prevail in the wee hours of Thursday morning. (I was unable to sleep and I witnessed it.) Because of this change, I am hopeful and believe that God will replace our sadness with joy!
Brighter days are ahead! Just hold on…
Dr. ReShone
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