By Chris Beam
JASPER, Texas--My feelings were mixed as I crossed over the Neches River into Jasper County June 15.
The river was peaceful with the gentle bouncing of the lily pads, and low swells in the green and muddy water.
What a paradox, I thought, that in the midst of this beautiful countryside such a brutal hate crime could have occurred just a week before.
[Three white men are accused of chaining James Byrd to their truck and dragging him to his death.]
I was on my way to a prayer vigil organized by community leaders and pastors in Jasper. As I pulled into this small, East Texas town, I saw media equipment and people circled around a gazebo on the lawn in front of the court house.
Sense of peace
I was drawn immediately to the prayer as it was being uttered by a pastor, and I felt a sense of peace in my heart. There were songs of praise to God, and more prayers.
I was representing Somebody Cares Houston, Somebody Cares America and Mission Houston, a consortium of ministries and churches in Houston. I had messages from Doug Stringer, director of Somebody Cares and others.
The crowd was a mix of Hispanics, African Americans and European Americans, but most importantly it was a small group, from a small town of the human race. I realized how glorious diversity is, and how the most noble traits of humanity come together in crisis for the need of healing.
As I stood behind the platform I was struck by the presence of children. I saw in the eyes of youngsters a look of hope and need.
An African American boy about 10 years old was sitting on the stairs leading up to the speaker's platform. In his downcast eyes was a look of sadness I don't think I've ever seen before. Tears welled up in my eyes.
Later, I pondered James Taylor's tune "Shed a Little Light," where it says, "That we are bound together, in our desire to see the world become a place in which our children can grow free and strong."
Day of hope and sadness
Indeed, this was a day of contrasts. A time of seeing a hopefulness in the eyes of the diverse crowd, but also a deep sadness that seemed to seep out of the soul of people who were there.
This will forever be etched in my mind when I think of the deep, heartfelt prayers of my African American brothers who prayed that night.
One man thanked God that the community had seen his hand, because in spite of the threat of radical messages coming from many sides, the gentle dove of the Holy Spirit had prevailed, and clear-thinking had won out.
Reaching out to family
As the program ended, I was introduced to James Byrd's brother and pastor. I knelt down next to them and told them I was bringing a message of comfort from the church in Houston.
I told Mr. Byrd that as a brother and Christian, I wanted to ask for forgiveness for what people who look like me had done to him and his people. I told him I loved him and would stand by him, and then I hugged him.
It is only with the open-hearted gestures of love and outreach that we will heal personally, and help others in the process.
As we contemplate this vicious murder, let's renew our commitment to each other, determining to stop all racism, prejudice, fear and hatred in our own heart transformations.
Then, let's transform our own families and communities by how we live and what we say and do.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998