Don’t remove Salisbury monument

I have lived in Concord all of my life, and I think the monument in downtown Salisbury is the most beautiful, ethereal statue I have ever seen. When my brother and parents passed away, it reassured me of the life we will experience after death. My husband and I have driven to Salisbury for the sole purpose of being uplifted by that statue.

It has nothing to do with “slavery.” It could depict any soldier, of any war, of any race, or any person being carried by an angel to heaven for their reward. Taking it down would be a great tragedy.

Some people are obviously taking this too far by connecting this magnificent statue to events in the past. We need to move forward, not stay 150 years in the past.

— Elizabeth Alexander

Concord

 

Prayer helps

Prayer has become the jet fuel that helps me navigate through each day. I try to begin my days around 4:45 a.m. while the lights are off and others are sleeping. At this peaceful time, I feel a oneness with God as I lift up prayers for each man within this facility. The Holy Scriptures relate to us the birth of Jesus and his being placed in a manger or crib. This is symbolic in that Jesus is our spiritual food.

Hence further evidenced in John, “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God … and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” It has been through the Bible, our spiritual food, that I have grown and learned the value of prayer and to pray without ceasing.

I also respect the thoughts and opinions of others, though I may disagree. We as Christians should not attempt to shove our beliefs down another’s throat. Our best example is our walk and talk.

In the current situation I’m in, I have witnessed the power of walking testimony. I’ve had men ask how I can be so content, and I reply as Paul did in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.” Wish I’d followed these precepts earlier in life.

If the world would follow the second greatest commandment — “to love your neighbor as yourself” — the world would be a better place.

So, in closing, let me say to our commissioners, let’s have respect for all persons, those who choose to pray in some way and those who don’t. I believe God has the power to prick the hearts of those who do not have a spirit of conviction, and seemingly has. Let’s all get prayed up.

— Ron Vickers

Salisbury

Vickers is in the Rowan County Detention Center, awaiting trial.