Tim Scott: We must meet racism with love and peace

I remember Wednesday, June 17, 2015, like it was yesterday. I had just finished having dinner with my good friend, U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy, in Washington, D.C., and was sitting on my bed when the phone rang.

It was the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office with news of the shooting at Emanuel AME Church. I texted the Rev. Clementa Pinckney: “Are you okay?”

I hoped and prayed for a response, but there was none.

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The killer who walked into Mother Emanuel that day had deep-rooted hate within him. But instead of being met with violence, the victims’ families later came together to forgive. In the hardest moment to follow Christ’s example, they themselves became an example for not only Charleston, but the world.

We cannot meet racism with hate, adding more fuel to the fire. We must meet it with love and peace. In 2015, our country came together in prayer for peace to be restored, and now we must do the same thing. As we all grieve over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and others, we must not fuel the flames of hatred. We have to step in unity to reach a solution on how to combat the injustices that exist within our country.

Today, I am introducing the Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere (JUSTICE) Act. In recent weeks, many have called for defunding the police as a solution. But instead of defunding the police, we need to provide more resources and de-escalation training.

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Over the past few years, I have had a heart filled with anger and forgiveness simultaneously, but I’ll never forget being reminded of Romans 8:28 in the midst of overcoming my grief: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Although our country is grieving, I am optimistic that we will reach a place of healing where the scales of justice are balanced and people can be seen beyond the color that God made them.

Full article here.