Remembering Emanuel

Posted 6/30/15

There are times when one just doesn’t know what to do after hearing about or experiencing a tragedy. I wrote this a few days after a 21-year-old man killed nine people while they were attending a …

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Remembering Emanuel

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There are times when one just doesn’t know what to do after hearing about or experiencing a tragedy. I wrote this a few days after a 21-year-old man killed nine people while they were attending a Bible study meeting in Charleston, S.C.

Racism, gun violence, mental illness, prejudice, poverty and judicial disparity are but a few of the ills facing far too many Americans. While we must be responsible for much of the work, our religious beliefs can serve as inspiration for change. My heart goes out to those who suffer. This poem is for them. This poem is also for us all as we consider what can be done to make the world a better place.

  

EMANUEL

 

Sometimes I just sit and wonder

why things are as they are –

and when all seems to go asunder

my heart sings this lonely bar.

 

“Where is the God of love?

Why is he not near?

Can’t you see that we’re alone?

I need for you to hear.”

 

When evenings darkest hour

dispenses so much despair

Emanuel’s tears fall like a shower

anointing those who care.

 

“Where is the God of love?

Why is he not near?

Can’t you see that we’re alone?

I need for you to hear.”

 

Despite fear, onward we walk,

ignoring our shaken belief.

Holding hands and soothing talk,

somehow finding relief. 

 

“Where is the God of love?

Why is he not near?

Can’t you see that we’re alone?

I need for you to hear.”

 

Again revealed to every man

that God is in our hearts.

Loving each other is his plan

and we’ve never been apart.

 

“Where is the God of love?

He is forever near.

Can’t you see we’re not alone

if we hold each other dear.”

 

The amazing strength demonstrated by those hurt due to the devastating events at Emanuel A.M.E. Church serves as a light to lead the way. We live in a beautiful, yet troubled, land. Working together in an honest and soulful fashion we can do wonderful things. Love can heal the deepest of wounds.

Bob Houghtaling has been the Director of the East Greenwich Drug Program for 31 years.

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