On June 10, 2009 we stood transfixed, frozen with disbelief, unable to wrap our minds around the depth of depravity, the viciousness, and the perversion, that apparently so consumed an octogenarian that he engaged in a diabolical mission, bent on destroying lives and shattering families. Why would anyone select the Holocaust Memorial Museum -- a place with such piercingly painful memories of man’s inhumanity toward man -- only to inflict more pain, death, and wickedness? How could anyone openly and brazenly brandish such a large firearm in broad daylight on a busy Washington street without being noticed, much less stopped?Our attempt to try to process and make sense of it all ends in frustration: the demonic neither yields to nor respects the rational.
We thank God for the heroism of Stephen T. Johns, the security officer who selflessly placed himself in harm’s way. Johns’ heroic act in the line of duty foiled what apparently was the gunman’s deranged plot to kill many innocent individuals visiting the Holocaust Museum that day. In one day, worldwide, Johns’ name became synonymous with heroism. We thank God for Harry Weeks and Jason McCuiston, the two other museum security officers who returned fire and injured the assailant, putting a stop to his demonic rampage.
We also thank God for Jacqueline Carter, Johns’ mother. Her response to it all has been extraordinary -- an exemplar of Christ-likeness. In the midst of such heartrending depredation, and with the eyes of the world upon her, this elegant, beautiful, poised Christian has extended unimaginable grace, love, compassion, and forgiveness. She has told all who will listen that her God and her faith will get her through this. She has openly forgiven her son’s assailant, and has openly prayed that the assailant’s son would find it in his heart to forgive his father for his heinous act. This is not some resigned acceptance of the hands of fate. Neither has her response been some artificial gesture meant for public display. One thing we can all attest to is when pressed hard enough, what’s really in you will come out. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Carter, when pressed beyond measure, has exuded what is in her: the love of God.
You see, Carter has drawn upon the wells of salvation within her (Isaiah 12:3). She has drawn upon a reservoir of the Word of God that has been built up over decades of intimacy with the Lord. She has tapped into and received grace to help in time of need. She radiates with what Zechariah 12:10 calls the spirit of grace. It is a picture of triumph over tragedy. It is wondrous to behold.
I have known Jacqueline Carter for more than fifteen years. I have watched her sing praises to the Lord. I have watched her dance before the Lord. I have watched her delve into the Word of God. Her love of God is genuine. Her worship is authentic.
I tell you, it is one thing to preach Matthew 5:44 (“But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you;”) but it is another thing entirely to live it, especially where the rubber meets the road.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 3:17 “Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” Carter is a model of courageous faith in action. She, too, is our hero.
I encourage you to show your love toward this family by giving to one of the three funds that have been established:
- The U.S. Holocaust Museum Memorial -- Checks payable to USHMM Officer Johns Family Fund may be mailed to USHMM, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW, Washington D.C. 20024. Contributions can also be made by calling 877-91USHMM (877-918-7466) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or going to the museum's Web site: http://www.ushmm.org/.
- Wackenhut, Stephen T. Johns' employer, asks that contributions be made by check or money order payable to Zakia Christina Johns in care of WSI Wachovia, 4440 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 33410.
- Checks payable to the American Jewish Committee, with "Holocaust Museum Memorial Fund" on the memo line, should be mailed to: American Jewish Committee Washington Chapter in care of Melanie Maron Pell, 1156 15th St. NW, Suite 1201, Washington D.C. 20005. Donations will also be accepted at the AJC Web site: http://www.ajc.org/c.org/.
Rev. Janice Davis Steele
Please comment below. Your opinion matters!
Sis. Janice,
ReplyDeleteWe have all talked about Stephen John's as a hero and he was because he prevented many other people from being hurt or killed. But not many of us know what a hero his mother is. I have had the pleasure of being on the same P&W team with dear Sis. Jackie and you are "spot on" with your comments about her as a woman of God. Last Friday night June 12 a few of us from the P&W team visited out sister to bring her comfort. We were there until around 2am. One of her son's friends and others came around 12:30am. As we gathered to pray, praise and worship the Lord, Stephen's friend started to confess that he wanted the assailant to die. He expressed his hatred toward this man who had killed his dear friend. Sis. Jackie immediately began to minister to this young man. She told him that no one in the room was more hurt than she. Yet she could not hold animosity toward the assailant and that she had forgiven him. She admonished Stephen's friend to do the same. She warned him in her most loving way that hatred would begin to consumed and eventually kill him from the inside out. This young man repented and let go of the hatred. I marvelled at Sis. Jackie's inner strength; to speak life into this young man while grieving herself. Sis. Jackie is truly a living epistle written with the finger of God for all to see. She is a real Christian not only in word but in deed. Her life and the life of her son Stephen are having a rippling effect on many other lives around the world.
Sis. Stephanie
Absolutely exquisite commentary on such a deserving topic. Your words were truly Spirit driven. Whereas the majority of media is in the liberal camp, we would never hear words of this caliber describing the true nature and dimension of this delirious event. I wanted to ask first since this is your blog. What do you think of my pointing others in my email list to this blog and hopefully bring in donations in honor of Stephen and his family?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Larry, for your comments. By all means, please feel free to circulate and share this blog with others. It would be so wonderful for the family of Stephen Johns to be inundated with tangible acts of love.
ReplyDeleteRemain blessed,
Janice Davis Steele