BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—Like many people across the country, Heather Strange is still in a state of utter disbelief combined with an overwhelming sense of sadness over Wednesday’s senseless shooting at Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street.
“The Lord’s house is a safe haven for the lost and now those who are found will find it hard to feel safe there or anywhere these days,” stated Strange. “It is devastating for the families and our community. This is our home.”
According to Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen, shortly after 9 p.m., 21-year-old Dylann Roof walked into the church and shot to death nine innocent victims—including the church’s pastor. The oldest victim was 87-years-old.
Roof was later taken into custody in Shelby, North Carolina. He’s charged with nine counts of murder and possession of a firearm.
Friends of the shooter claim Roof had intended to start a “second civil war” among the races. However, his actions have done just the opposite. It’s united the Charleston community in a way that’s never been experienced before in ‘The Holy City.’
“This city became a comfort zone for not only the folks that live here but for those passing through. I scrolled through my newsfeed on Facebook and could only see the devastating news: the hurt, the sorrow,” stated Strange. “The mixed views of all of my “friends,” some I felt like deleting. So I kept thinking ‘How can we recover from this? Why do we only see the devil’s work when I know the Lord lives in Charleston!’”
Roof’s actions have been described as pure evil; however, Strange refuses to let her own young children believe that that is all there exists in the world today. She has launched a Facebook campaign to encourage everyone to perform a R.O.A.K. or “random act of kindness.”
“I don’t want this to be my children’s normal. I want to set a better example and show them the love and
compassion that is still alive in Charleston,” explained Strange. “I remember participating in the raok4kasey. (To read story, click here.) The 3-year-old girl killed by a drunk driver. Her mother Kelly said that the acts of kindness helped the grieving process, helped her see that Kasey was alive still in so many who participated. A lot of good was done in her name.”
Strange is encouraging everyone to take part. She also hopes the ‘random acts of kindness’ provides some sort of comfort to the victims’ families and that they know that their loved ones didn’t die in vain—and most importantly that the community stands behind them.
“I want the nation to see that we are taking a stand: united we stand right! We are still exactly what our license plates use to say ‘beautiful places smiling faces,’” Strange stated.
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