NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — We cannot let the shooting on Saturday on Jefferson Street define the area.
Yesterday, I stumbled on a church service on Jefferson where the pastor echoed this in his prayers.
"Lord, I pray that you would help us to see how our actions and our anger can impact the lives of other people who have nothing to do with why we're angry oh God," said Rev. Aaron Marble of Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church.
The senseless shooting happened just a few yards away from the church. I visited Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church on Monday.
"We are close and we do care about each other, " Marble shared with me.
Just after the street opened following a street fair for Tennessee State University's Homecoming, police say two conflicting groups shot at each other. The shooting sent ten people — mostly innocent bystanders — to the hospital. A 24-year-old man was killed.
"I think there is a clear lack of courage, a clear lack of compassion from a lot of our elected officials as it relates to enacting commonsense gun laws, and I think there is a responsibility that we have as human beings — one to another — to respect, love, and value life," Marble said.
The church wants people who were involved in the shooting or witnessed the shooting to know church leaders are there to help.
"When we write off mass shootings simply because of who the victims are, we are doing ourselves as a community a great disservice," Marble said.
This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher
