LETTERS: GOOD HOPE STREET: TIME FOR HEALING

To the editor:

It is time to stop the finger pointing and speculating about what the motives of Time magazine are and start praying for God to bring a healing to the situation that took place on Good Hope Street.

To fan the flames that already exist is perhaps more damaging than the very thing that started the fire. I have been a resident of this city for 57 years, my entire life. For most of the years mentioned I have lived within two blocks of Good Hope Street, both as a child and as an adult. Many residents who are my age or older have fond memories of this area of town and are saddened that it has become the subject of such concern.

Has anyone considered that the very God who created this universe resides in the hearts of many of the residents of the south side as well as the hearts of many others in Cape Girardeau? He resides in the hearts of city officials and those who enforce the law as well as all of his children, regardless of the color of their skin.

We are to forgive and to pray for one another, even those who have trespassed against us. Is it unreasonable to ask our city leaders and law enforcement to pray for those who feel they have been unfairly treated? Is it wrong to ask the residents on the south side to pray for those who have been placed to enforce the law and to be our city's leaders?

As we focus on prayer this week and ask the Lord to bring peach and a healing in this matter, we must be willing to surrender our personal feelings and pride and trust him.

RON FARROW

Cape Girardeau