This Moment Cannot Pass
I’m a homebody. A sense of home was instilled in me at an early age. As a third-generation coal miner, Dad made the hard decision to leave the coal mines of West Virginia and we moved to Florida where he found a career in the citrus industry. The move was huge for my parents. Mom said she thought coming to Florida was moving to the end of the world – and back then, I can understand why. Central Florida was mostly orange groves and cattle ranchers. But even the beauty of what was then the pristine shores of Lake Apopka couldn’t replace the allure of the mountains of West Virginia. For as long as I can remember, West Virginia was referred to as the family “home”.
As I became an adult I understood “home” to be an imperfect place that held safety, acceptance, and solace. Over our 42 years together, Debby and I have worked very hard to create a home versus just a life together. It’s where after a tough day of life we can find rest and peace. It’s where we have weathered illness and loss with a sense of hope. It is the place we look forward to returning to after an adventure, a place filled with memories – both good and some not so good. It’s far more than the brick and mortar of the house we live in. It’s a place that has always felt safe, even when life overall didn’t feel safe.
I think that having this strong sense of home is why news of the murder of Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams by a 15 year old in Memphis, Tennessee hit so hard this week. Married and a mother of four, at age 52, Rev. Eason-Williams’ life was, in my opinion, far from over. She was the pastor of a vibrant Methodist congregation in the Memphis area, had a history of involvement in the community, and a true call to justice ministries. She was a District Superintendent, a very special and demanding administrative calling in the church. And from all indications she was good at it with a compassionate pastoral heart and a true knack for polity and the workings of the church. By all accounts, she was truly liked and respected by both laity and clergy within our denomination.
On the afternoon of Monday, July 18th , 15 year old Miguel Andrade and two other teenagers followed Rev. Eason-Williams to her home, drove up behind her in her driveway, shot her 3 times, and then carjacked her car. The court affidavit states, Andrade drove off in her car, later lost control, and crashed. This was the first of two carjackings Andrade would commit on July 18th , the second resulted in a police pursuit and crash which led to his arrest. When arrested, Andrade had the key fob to Rev. Eason-Williams’ car in his front right pocket and a Glock 19 handgun with an extended munitions magazine.
The 15-year-old Andrade now faces charges of first-degree murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery, aggravated robbery, carjacking, and employment of a firearm during a dangerous felony. On August 1st at 9 a.m., Andrade’s next hearing will determine whether he will be tried as an adult and transferred to criminal court.
I have not been able to shake the heinous nature of this violent crime and the sense of loss that it brings on so many levels. I can only imagine what Rev. Eason-Williams must have thought as she turned into the driveway of her home. Surely on some level she must have felt that sense of relief you get when you turn on to your street and then into your driveway – that feeling that you’ve made it home. Maybe she saw the car pull up behind her and thought – wonder who this is? I pray that what happened next was quick and that there was little suffering - but I’ve no idea if this is true.
What I do know as a follower of Jesus is that she was never alone. I also believe with all my being that God’s heart was the first to break in the events of July 18th. And it is with that great “blessed assurance” we sing about that I believe Rev. Eason-Williams - beloved child of God, daughter, wife, mother, family member, beloved pastor, friend, mentor, and host of other roles she played in this life - is now in her eternal, forever, and glorious home.
To her family, congregation and friends, the loss is inconsolable. And their lives will forever be altered by this tragic event. But I pray that in time they will find a sense of peace that only God can give. And I also pray that there will be some good that will come from this – although that is difficult to imagine right now.
It is hard to wrap my head around it, as a Christ follower, but I believe that God’s grace also extends to Miguel Andrade, who too is a beloved child of God. Based on his actions on July 18th his life will forever be changed. If I’m honest, the justice seeking part of me hopes that he will have a very different sense of “home” for a very long time - but that’s for our legal system to sort through. 15 years of age is so very young for such a life altering moment, especially when you consider that most 15-year-olds are 9th or 10th graders, still trying to figure out what life will hold and so much life ahead to live. I find myself wondering how he got on a path that led to this moment. What was the motivation to take these actions? He is someone’s son, likely a brother, grandchild, and friend. What would cause a 15-year-old to want to do something so senseless and horrific? Were there warning signs that were missed? And what role could we, as the church, have played that might have altered these events?
This moment cannot pass without mentioning the need for reform regarding the ease of access to guns and the increase in gun violence. This issue must be addressed in a way that makes sense and effectively brings an end to the senseless acts of random and unprovoked violence. I wish I had a simple answer to stop the madness, but I don’t. However, I believe that this is a moment where people like you and I can do something to give voice to the need to stop the escalation of violent crime and gun violence. I hope you will join me in taking these small but hopefully meaningful steps:
1) Pray God’s grace and blessing on the family and friends of Rev. Autura Eason-Williams.
2) Pray for Miguel Andrade, his family, and those who know and love him. I pray not only for the accountability he must face for his actions, but also for his soul. I hope that he will allow God’s prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace to work within him and that he may know what it means to be redeemed by the love of Christ.
3) Join the call to action in the Resolution on Gun Violence that was presented by Rev. Jim Harnish and passed at Annual Conference.
4) Take 10 minutes to send a text or email to our Governor, State Senators and Congressional Representatives, and most importantly your local representatives in the Florida Legislature.. Click here a UMC draft letter you can use and links to contact info.
Florida Members of the US House of Representatives
The Florida House of Representatives
5) Look for and find ways to help those who are hurting in our communities, especially our youth and young adults who are searching for meaning and
belonging.
I pray God blessings on each of us as we travel through these unsettling times. And may you know the peace of “home” through the love and grace of Jesus.
Blessings,
Alice Williams, Co-Lay Leader, Florida Conference
Back to the Laity Space Weekend Update for July 23.