“Not Again!” My gut cringed and my mind raced with frustration at the news that several African American men—and one African American woman—suffered tragic and needless deaths over the past few weeks.
I feel that inner stirring I get when there is a message arising within me for the Alliance family. I suspect that it is a word of grief, a word of compassion, a word of caution, a reminder of the gospel. But, today that word is still forming in my heart and mind. It will have to wait for another day. Yet, this much I can say with clarity and conviction:
My brothers and sisters, I grieve with you. This is your nation every bit as much as it is mine. It grieves me that so often it doesn’t feel that way. Please know that Joanna and I stand with you and kneel with you; see you and are proud to be seen with you; honor you and are honored to represent you; love you and love being with you. We can’t possibly feel what you feel, but we can come alongside you and say that this is a time to “mourn with those who mourn.”
With love and respect,
John Stumbo