Hate Won’t Win

On June 17th, nine of Charleston, South Carolina’s most prominent educators and religious leaders were killed inside Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church — including four members of the clergy. In a silent vigil, countless millions sat glued to their screens as the details of the unspeakable tragedy were broadcast throughout the world. How could this happen, we asked? That afternoon, a small group, just 13 people had assembled at the church. Many were familiar faces. One was a stranger. But it was unfathomable that this stranger was a killer lying in wait — a man who would kill nine of those churchgoers and church leaders in cold blood.

Nine people gathered together for fellowship and Bible study — vibrant, loving, beautiful souls so full of life one minute — snuffed out like a candle the next. It was unthinkable, unimaginable, unreal. And in the hours and days that followed, something perhaps even more unimaginable was made real. Inspired by the families of those murdered…