What to do in the face of fanaticism, terrorism, bigotry and hatred? This morning I have seen on television the most wondrous thing - the President of the USA leading a funeral congregation, in their sadness, in song. You can see that he starts off spontaneously and slowly and then vigorously all around him join in until everyone is singing loudly and vigorously. And the song? That is the other phenomenal thing. This would have been a congregation of people who, largely, would have been descended from people brought in the chains of slavery from Africa. And the song? Amazing Grace --- a song written by John Newton who had a history of being heavily involved in the slave trade. John Newton was converted in heart and soul. He became an Anglican cleric. So let's continue to sing as we stare down the face of horror, bigotry and hatred; the face of those who would tear their fellow humans down and press them face down into the dirt. Let Grace reign in our lives.
Pres. Barack Obama sings "Amazing Grace" during his eulogy for slain Charleston pastor, Rev.Clementa Pinckney.
CNN.COM
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