THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 4, 1995 TAG: 9505030163
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
I deeply resent the malicious disrespect expressed by Paul C. Gillis in the City Council meeting on Wednesday, April 19. He denigrated African-American women in general, and Ruby Walden in particular.
As Mr. Pruitt said in his April 23 editorial in The Sun, she has made untold contributions to the community. Mr. Gillis' uncalled-for meanness does not diminish her integrity or her standing in the community or the courage of her convictions.
The opinions of Mr. Gillis in no way represent the thinking of the African-American community!
Margaret W. Reid, M.D.
East Washington Street
Suffolk Why would anyone inflict so much pain?
The sadness of the bombing in Oklahoma City is beyond any words. No person can see the pictures, hear the stories and not feel an ache in their heart and a sick feeling in the stomach.
When the news broke, people did rush to judgment and go directly to a known adversary. It is an easy assumption to make. Unfortunately, sometimes our enemies can be among us, looking just like everyone else.
In many of the news programs, papers, etc., I heard time after time people saying, ``I can't believe an American would do this to other Americans.'' Should not the point be, why any person would do this to other persons, regardless of race, nationality, religion, etc.?
Another example of man's inhumanities against man.
Helen R. Schloss
Wilroy Road
Suffolk This church a home for needy, sick, weak
Although the words, ``Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses,'' inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty have become a symbol of hope for emigrants from foreign lands, on Easter Sunday, the Rev. Scott Ranck, pastor of The Believers Baptist Church in Chesapeake, brought a new dimension to its meaning.
Standing in front of his church, filled to capacity by faithful worshipers and visitors, Ranck did something totally unexpected. While other preachers might have seized the golden opportunity to expound on their own views of Christianity, or what they thought was best for their supporters, Ranck turned over the time he generally spends delivering his sermon to a group of people fighting their way back from lifelong abuses of alcohol and drugs and others seeking a release from the chains of hatred.
Unlike other preachers who shun people who aren't picture perfect, and instruct their flocks to do the same, Ranck believes the house of God is for people in need, weak people, sick people - a place to be loved, accepted and healed - not turned away.
Each member of the group came forward and described his own tortured existence - his personal experiences of hell on earth. They all agreed their lives had changed after they found their God through the help of Ranck and The Believers Baptist Church.
``Give me your tired (in spirit), your poor (living without faith), your huddled masses (thousands of souls desperately reaching out for sanctuary).'' Another weary emigrant had, at long last, found a home.
God is for people in need, weak people, sick people - a place to be loved, accepted and healed - not turned away.
Gerry D. Lewis
Virginia Beach by CNB