Tuesday, January 22, 2008



My nephew C. J. was 17-years old in the 12th grade. At his funeral were more than 200 plus kids, teachers, principals, school counselors and 20 ministers. The pastor who preached the funeral asked the ministers/pastors/clergy to stand up. He wanted the students to gather in groups to receive a special prayer of protection. The students expressed their condolences and their pain. So many went up for the three minutes of expressions that they had to stop it. While the teens talked, they asked the adults in the audience to stop talking and do what they say they are going to do. One teen said that you all say you want to help us but you don't because you prejudge us. He requested that we should not judge the book by the cover but what is in the hearts. Another teen said that just because they wear ear rings, talk crazy sometimes, that they are still good people. Teen after teen stated that they were hurting and that they are living in tough times and that none of the adults could really understand what their lives were like. The adults listened. The ministers passed out their phone numbers and asked the teens to call them anytime morning, noon or night and they would respond.

Before we arrived in town there was still an all points bulletin out for the two men who killed our nephew, one 27 and the other 19. They were armed and dangerous and last seen driving away in a green Monte Carlo. By the time we entered the city limits they were arrested. They were hiding in someones' house.

We heard that my husband's nephew got into a fair fist fight and the brothers and friends of the other guy returned and shot him 7 times. We will not know what really happened until the trial based on the policemen information. They did not want to disclose anything that could damage their case as we were told by another relative. It was a senseless killing! Thanks for your kind words and prayers.

On a good note: I did receive some good news when we returned. I received my first grant for my federally approved non-profit organization. I'm excited about this. God is so good!

11 comments:

Drea Inspired said...

I was just discussing our youth with a friend of mine yesterday. She says that it's good for kids to have a good healthy fear of something because so many of them are so apathetic and have no regard for their own lives or the lives of others.

It hurts me to know that so many of them are hurting and feel that they have no one to turn to. Some of them are carrying unbelievable burdens that should not be theirs to bear.

Sharon shares said...

This is so close to my heart because as you know, my own son is 18 and in his senior year of high school. I sometimes hear him and his friends talk about fights that happen and I always feel the fear of him somehow getting caught up in the madness. Even "fair fights" such as the one your nephew appears to have been involved in can potentially lead to such devastation that I almost want to lock my son in the house and never let him out again.

I am so sorry for your family's loss.

TJ said...

I am so sorry for your loss (again), but so happy to hear that these young people were blessed by people who reached out to them and congratulations on your grant!!!

Paula D. said...

I'm so sorry to hear that this happened. It was so senseless. I'm glad that the kids at the funeral were able to speak out.

BTW, congrats on your grant!

chele said...

I'm so sorry Rose. Like Sharon, I also have a son who is a senior this year. He was jumped last year by a group of guys in a car as he walked home from work. He was not hurt, just shaken up and confused as to why he was targeted.

Believer said...

I pray that the funeral service for C.J. was a turning point for everyone in the community. Let's hope that progress and change are in their midst.

Congratulations on your grant!

Stephen A. Bess said...

So unfortunate. So many young Black men are taken away from this world too soon. My condolences. God bless you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Dear Rose:
Please know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time. Everytime I want to "laydown with dogs" and start blogging some nonsense, I remember that " Ms Rose" may stop by and I am encouraged to remember my venacular and education. You are such a beacon of strength to us that look up to you and read your blog. Please know that we support you and pray for your strength to come through this senseless misery and return to us.

kathi said...

Heart breaking...the whole thing.

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Again, my condolences to your family on the loss of your darling nephew. Meanwhile...

CONGRATS on your grant! God IS good!!

Michelle said...

This is so tragic and sad. Fights aren't just fights anymore -- this world is sadly too full of violence. I'm offering you and your family condolences. God bless...