WS Chronicle

A lesson learned

To The Editor:

If I could write a letter to my Grandpa, it would say: Dear Grandpa,

You have been such an important part of my childhood. From my earliest days, the lessons you taught me have served as my guide to a good and proper life. When I denied taking cookies from the cookie jar, you taught me why it was wrong to lie. When I asked you to do a homework assignment that I would later hand in as my own, you taught me that cheating was wrong. When I got into an argument with a neighbor, you taught me to be kind to others, to respect their opinions even if I disagreed with them. From you I learned that all people were created equal. That looking out for those less fortunate was nothing short of divine. 

I recall our walks together in the park and the times when you would bend over to pick up someone else’s litter. So often you marveled at the beauty of nature and spoke of our responsibilities as good stewards of the Earth. 

And who can forget the time we walked down the aisle of the supermarket and coming toward us was a young boy who limped and seemed to wave his arms uncontrollably? As I laughed and pointed, you got down on your knees and grabbed my shoulders with your big, strong hands. You looked sternly into my eyes and told me never ever make fun of someone with a disability.

And today, as I listen to you praising President Trump, you have taught me yet another lesson. Sadly, it is a lesson I would have preferred not to learn. For now, I understand the meaning of hypocrisy.

Jeffrey Zalles, Southport, N.C.

Honoring the life of Dr. Eversley

To The Editor:

I thank God for the life of Rev. Dr. Carlton A.G. Eversley. 

We were friends and colleagues for 30 years in the Presbyterian Church. I loved Carlton like a brother. We led worship together in at least 50 joint services. He was often late to arrive, but he always had something to say. Rev. Eversley had an amazing ability to share detailed history, both from the Bible and our local community. His prayers from the heart came out like an everflowing stream. 

I remember my husband and I hosting Carlton, his wife Luellen and their children in our home for dinner. We got to know a compassionate side of this outspoken pastor and advocate for justice. For 20 years, our church supported Dr. Eversley’s leadership in support of Darryl Hunt, even when it was not popular. We were both vindicated when the truth of Darryl’s innocence came out. 

Publicly, Carlton defined me as one of his trusted white friends, but in Christ, our relationship went beyond race. I felt his support. It is sad to say goodbye to a longtime friend, but we can rejoice that brother Carlton has made it to the Promised Land.

Rev. Laura Spangler, Winston-Salem, N.C.