July 11, 2016 (Monday)
Before moving to Rockport in November, 1964, I was pastor of the Vickery Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas from 1961-1964.
We have some furniture in our house today that was purchased in Dallas, in 1963, just a few blocks from the famous Texas Book Depository building, from which shots were fired on November 22, 1963, assassinating President John F. Kennedy.
I remember stopping for a red light near or at the intersection of Lamar and Main, where shots were fired last Thursday evening, killing 5 policemen and wounding 7 more individuals. I recall that stop because my car, a 1959 Chevrolet, had horizontal fins on the rear of the car that caused the car to be lifted by the downtown winds. The car was literally trying to fly as I waited for the light to change.
At first I remembered that part of town because it’s where we bought our furniture. Then I remembered it because it was where my car tried to “fly.” After that I remembered it because it was only a couple of blocks from where the president was murdered. Now I will remember it because of what I saw on the news Thursday evening.
I nearly always watch “Bones” on T.V. on Thursdays, but it was not broadcast that day. Nothing else was on, so I decided to watch Fox News. The news was about protests in Minnesota and New York City, then to Dallas. The camera in Dallas focused on the marchers, who suddenly turned and ran toward and past the camera. The cameraman moved through the running protesters, with no narration, until he came to policemen lying on the street beside police vehicles. The camera remained there until the studio ordered a move away from the scene. They did not return to that sight, the narrator announcing they would show no more such scenes. The news coverage continued all night.
My memories of that little area of downtown Dallas were first about furniture, then the car blown by wind, then the assassination, and now another bloody attack.
I have other memories of Dallas, particularly of a church filled with worshipers during the Cuban Missile Crisis and another full church building two days following the assassination of President Kennedy.
We live in troubled times. The events in Dallas could have taken place in any city of our nation.
Jesus promised peace in the hearts of believers who trust in Him. His saving power and teachings of love and forgiveness could bring peace to the world. Changed people change the world. But it happens one by one, as people give their hearts and lives to Christ. Perhaps our hope of world peace is just a dream, but it is a beautiful dream.
The One great commandment that Jesus gave us is, “Love one another.” That is entirely within the scope of possibility for each of us. We can do it. Will we?
