The personal reflections and commentary of Bishop Michael Goings, a well-known pastor and author, on local, state, national, and international issues. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these columns are those of Michael Goings, the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Dillon Herald. He is solely responsible for the content of these articles.
A question was once asked in antiquity that has reverberated through history. Although it has been applied to many similar situations concerning the most essential person (Jesus Christ) in the annals of human history, I am going to borrow and use it again through this contemporary paraphrase: “Can any good thing come out of Dillon?”
My column this week has come with great anticipation, as many others. I speculated and wondered when Mr. James Moultrie, District Four and Dillon County’s most enduring classroom teacher, would finally retire.
Looking back in retrospect (for as long as I can remember), I have been gifted with a keen memory and vivid imagination.
In my opinion, one of the most iconic and profound statements uttered by President Ronald Reagan during his tenure as President of the United States of America was directed to the then President of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Mikhail Gorbachev.
With the recent passing of the iconic and legendary Coach Pat Summitt of Tennessee, who won eight national women’s NCAA basketball championships at the big 1A level, the subject of winning and losing has come to my mind.
Quite a few years ago, English actor Anthony Hopkins starred in a thriller movie called “Silence of the Lambs,” where he played the psychotic, sadistic, and cannibalistic Hannibal Lecter.
When I got up this Saturday morning (June 4, 2016), I was told by my son that Muhammad Ali (Cassius Marcellus Clay) had died as I slept during the night.
The topic of my column today was initiated by a brief discussion I had with my son about the importance of voting. With the election being just a few days away, the issue of everyone voting is truly important and very serious.
Recently, a man spoke from the grave in a very loud and compassionate way. Many people in New Town, especially children, will benefit and be better off because of it. I am referring to the voice of Mr. Alan Schafer, who spoke through the Schaffer Foundation that helped with the upgrade of the Gordon Park in New Town. This charitable act by the foundation that bears the name of Mr. Schafer became the inspiration for this week’s column.
The slaying of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and quite a few other black men at the hand of police officers, has given birth to a slogan and movement entitled “Black Lives Matter.”