Addressing a community searching for answers in the midst of tragedy, Cordie Wimberley assured the county he has called home for the past 26 years that light would overcome the darkness.
“I want you to know we are ‘Texas County Strong,'” Wimberley told a crowd of more than 300 gathered Sunday night for a candle vigil to honor those impacted by the Feb. 26 shootings in Tyrone.
Just three days after the funerals of four members of the Aldridge family and one day following a public visitation for three Shrivers, Wimberley encouraged the crowd creating a large circle inside Hiett Gymnasium to unite in love and turn to God during these difficult days of hurt and heartache.
“Just by your presence, it’s a message of love,” Wimberley said. “It’s a message of hope.”
The vigil –– organized through social media by Caleb Arthur, a distant relative by marriage of the Shrivers, and supported by the Houston Ministerial Alliance –– included statements from both families impacted by the murders. The Aldridges expressed thanks for the public support, even from foreign countries, shown to their family and encouraged the community to count its blessings. The Shrivers also shared thanks for the compassion given to their loved ones and asked for continued prayers moving forward.
Wimberley, who has pastored Souls Harbor Family Worship for more than two decades, took time to praise the efforts of local law enforcement. He then shared a short message of unity and hope moving forward.
“This senseless act robbed us of seven precious lives,” he said. “We refuse to allow this evil act to rob us of anything else. All of us that have gathered here tonight, we chose to be a light. We chose to be a source of strength.”
Wimberley referenced Psalm 34:18 and that God will heal broken hearts. He encouraged the community to turn to God’s word for answers.
Following his message, Wimberley lit a candle, and the flame was passed around the crowd by area pastors. There was a moment of silence and acapella singing of “Amazing Grace.” Attendees held their candles high in the air as the song concluded.
“The light still outshines the darkness in this world,” Wimberley said. “We chose to light a candle rather than to curse the darkness.”