By Dr. Gina M. Stewart, President Lott Carey
As the city of Memphis and people around the world gathered to remember the life of Tyre Nichols this past Wednesday, we mourned the loss of life for one “gone too soon.” Tyre was an aspiring photographer, lover of sunsets, and skateboarding, a son, a father to a young son, and a human being created in the image of God. His death has left the city of Memphis dumbfounded, devastated, and disappointed by those who abandoned their responsibility to protect and serve. The blatant and incomprehensible disregard for human life captured in the video defies the definition of humanity. We weep with his parents, RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, and the countless other parents who have lost a child to violence and whose names will never make the news or become a hashtag.
As a citizen of Memphis, I ask that you join me in prayer for the Wells Family, the city of Memphis, this nation, and the world. But also pray for justice that will result in reform for Tyre and for the countless others who have lost their lives to violence.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” As our broken hearts cry out for justice, may the Lord hear and answer our collective cries. And may the soul of Tyre Nichols and others who have entered the ancestral realm rest in peace and rise in glory.
About Lott Carey
Established in 1897, Lott Carey has networks in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America.
Based in the Washington DC Metro Area, Lott Carey provides financial support and technical assistance in leadership development, education, training, healthcare, advocacy, disaster relief, and other services.