Change our heart O God

I truly wish I had something to say or offer that would change what happened in Charleston. I am at a loss to understand much less speak to this act of violence that struck Emanuel AME Church. It looks like racism is a primary factor. A sacred place engaged in a sacred purpose was violently violated. I wish I could make all this go away. We need change. There are some who grasp the deep need to change systems that produce racism and violence. Please put your minds and hearts to work to effect changes that will produce deeply needed social change. There are some who are experts in providing better safely and security, especially as it relates to churches and non-profits. Please share your expertise so that basic changes may be made in how we go about our lives. There are many, many other factors. Put your heart and mind to work and make a difference. I think about what I have to offer. I am a pastor at heart. I believe faith in Jesus Christ changes our hearts. Faith does not cure all things nor make everything perfect. But I believe that faith has the greatest power and potential to changes lives and in turn change the world. A heart where Christ dwells and is actively at work will be transformed from sin to righteousness. A life prone to racist views may be changed to one who loves and celebrates one another. We in the Church are at an important point. We have brothers and sisters in Christ suffering through an unimaginable experience. Would you do some things with me. Examine your own heart. Where do you find love for God and others rising to the surface? Celebrate that grace that is in you. Where do you find a sense of entitlement, fear, anxiety or even superiority to others. Would you own that? Would you follow the example our Scriptures teach and repent of any things that might even begin to resemble sin. Put your hope and trust in Jesus Christ and ask him to change your heart and life. Once we examine our own hearts could we take new steps to put our love in action? Don't laugh at a racist joke. Look for ways to allow the Holy Spirit to help you with awkward conversations where we lovingly yet firmly challenge the anti-Christ views we encounter. Share the love of Christ with others. Be part of changing lives and changing the world. Use you heart and your mind to make a difference. We are the people of God. God wants much from us. I wish I had more to offer. I feel powerless and even useless in the face of the evil some have experienced first hand and that continues to gnaw at me. But what I have I freely offer. I offer Christ. prayerfully, steve