"All
the darkness in the world cannot put out the light of a single candle."
A Brief Overview of Hector Black, his Faith and Testimony
of Peace
From
a Personal Tragedy, Revenge is Rejected and
Forgiveness is Born.
There are many
interesting and inspiring aspects of Hector's life. Perhaps the most riveting
is how he and his family dealt with the murder of Hector's and Susie's daughter
Trish in 2000. His first reaction, amidst all the pain, was that he wanted to
kill the man who killed his daughter. But as the love of God worked to heal his
broken heart, he overcame that desire. Hector Black on Love: I know that love does not seek revenge. We
do not want a life for a life. Love seeks healing, peace and wholeness. Hatred
can never overcome hatred. Only love can overcome hatred and violence. Love is
that light. It is that candle that cannot be extinguished by all the darkness
and hatred in the world. Judge Goger, this is the
reason we are not asking for the death penalty. Please refer to
http://www.chattanoogafriends.org, click on "Hector Black", and then
"TCASK" and "On the Road to Abolition." Also, click on "Journey of Hope"
and then "Victim Impact Statement"
Building Bridges with a
Pro-Military Community: Counter Recruitment Following a
leading discerned by the Cookeville Preparatory Meeting, Hector and others
worked through an overwhelming resistance to bring counter-military recruitment
information to a local high school. In speaking to the school board: We don't have a problem with young people
deciding to join the military—if they are fully informed. My experience of two
and a half years of military service during World War II left me convinced that
war is no longer a way with which we should resolve differences. Speaking
personally, I've given a lot of thought to what Jesus said about loving our
enemies. And I think he meant exactly what he said. I think that if we always
strike back in revenge, there's an endless cycle of violence and revenge. The
only way to stop that cycle of violence is the way that Martin Luther King Jr.
did, the way that Jesus did. We must say, "The violence stops here."
More from Hector on the Peace
“Quakers are not so much against war as for
peace. We believe that it is more consistent with the teachings of Jesus to
live a life that takes away the occasion for war and violence, thus sowing
seeds of peace instead of fighting wars.”
“The army that can defeat
terrorism does battle quietly, clearing minefields and vaccinating children. It
undermines military dictatorships and military lobbyists. It subverts
sweatshops and special interests. Where people feel powerless, it helps them
organize for change, and where people are powerful, it reminds them of their
responsibility."
For Hector's essay on his experience, see
http://www.chattanoogafriends.org, click on "Hector Black" and then
"Counter Recruitment in