Tag:

Roy Middleton

Color Blindness; Seeking Justice for Roy Middleton

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW! Greg, John, and Pat discussed color blindness; seeking justice for Roy Middleton. They continue to discuss the results from the grand jury that met to review what happened when two Escambia County Sheriff Deputies shot an innocent man, Roy Middleton, while he was at home. According to WEARtv 3 on July 27^thtwo deputies shot at Roy Middleton fifteen times. Two bullets struck Mr. Middleton and shattered his thigh.

They continue to discuss that the grand jury found there was “insufficient” evidence proving that any criminal violations were committed by the deputies according to WEARtv 3 reporting. They continue to discuss how there are tons of good officers in the community and Greg shares from firsthand experience and knowledge since he was a deputy in the same county this tragic incident took place for ten years. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that “Everything Hitler did was legal.” Just because it is legal doesn’t mean it is right. There is a difference

Roy Middleton

between what is legal and what is moral. They continue to discuss the lack of response and the vacuum of silence that still exist over an innocent man who was shot at while he was standing in his car port.

Greg continues to share how God has already told us how to respond. He also shares how he is color blind and how this disadvantage has caused him to slow down and really look deeply into the colors and texture in essence to look deeper. Those who can see color move quickly and don’t take the time to look deeper. They think they know the color and make generalizations. This is often true when it comes to race. They continue to discuss the importance of going deeper than someone’s color but to look deeper into the context of their history. All men are created equal in the eyes of God and the same should be in the eyes of men. Dr. King said that men should be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. Jesus clearly understood this. He wants us to walk in the same empathy Hebrews 4:15 talks about. Jesus understood what man was capable of because He walked for some time on earth as a man. They continue to discuss the importance of looking over someone’s life in context instead of momentary lapse in their actions that caused them to move out of character. It’s important not to throw Dr. King’s quote at people when they lose it and have a momentary lapse of character when they have for long periods of time walked in good character. We need to have this conversation because part of healing me is hearing me. When it comes to crime it can’t be about color.

As Christians we must step out of any area that causes us not to empathize with another race that is not like our own. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning.” God tells us in his word to make disciples of all nations. The word, nations, in the Greek means “ethnos” which is the word where we get ethnic and ethnicity from. The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:20 “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” Greg continues to share his heart over what Roy Middleton is experiencing even today and how he continues to experience injustice. God alone is the one who can bring justice to this situation. He is just. Greg shares the letter he wrote Roy Middleton expressing to Roy how he felt about this tragedy and expressing empathy as well as his prayers. It’s time for this conversation to happen and it’s time for healing to come to the Gulf Coast and the rest of the nation.
Courtesy of Mike Flippo/Shutterstock.com

t1014x1813awh

WATCH WEAR TV: Roy Middleton’s Car Vandalized Overnight After Grand Jury Clears Officers of Wrongdoing

Roy Middleton’s car vandalized

BREAKING: Grand Jury Clears Deputies in two shootings

UPDATE: Grand Jury Clears Deputies in two Shootings

Man Sentenced to Life after seemingly same shooting situation

“Integrity”by Dr. Henry Cloud

Hebrews4:15
Matthew28:19
1John 2:9-11

Seeking Justice for Roy Middleton (Part 2 of 2) Interview with Pensacola Police Department Captain David Alexander
Organizer of the Day vs Organizers of the Night: Are They Using Tips from Lucifer to Organize America and the World
C1I2V3I4L5
C1I2V3I4L5

Arts & Entertainment Mountain Civil Christianity Faith Hope Love

Benjamin Watson- New Orleans Saints NFL Player – Bold, Honest and Encouraging Expression on Facebook – 860,000 likes later adds dimension to our discussion

by Greg Lancaster

LISTEN NOW! WATCH FULL PROGRAM! It takes a compassionate heart of empathy and the tensions of understanding so many perspectives of so many different ethnicities when a conversation regarding race is begun. In a recent Fox News interview, NFL athlete with the New Orleans Saints, Benjamin Watson, shares his own heart of what the nation is witnessing and what he is personally seeing. Through his transparent words and the meticulous dialogue, Watson expresses the myriad of emotions that so many can empathize with right now. When Watson first began the conversation on CNN, the interview was cut short before the fullness of his heart could be shared. This time, he talks about his empathetic understanding of so many. As a father himself, he voices words of hope and a perspective that brings great encouragement. As we see the injustices rising in the land, it is vital to cry out for justice knowing that the only place any one person’s right place is at the foot of the cross. Hear the details of these monumental conversations, the array of voices that are beginning the conversation in this critical hour, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: NFL, New Orleans Saints, Benjamin Watson, CNN, Fox News, emotions, empathy, parenting, pop culture, social media, justice, Israel, education, Roy Middleton, mindsets, generations, repentance, and love. Greg, Pat, and John shared in this segment.
screen capture from CBN.com

https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminWatsonOfficial

Click Picture to View Facebook Page

Related Content
Benjamin Watson Facebook

Civil Rights & Civil Christianity in America

Grand Jury Set to Review Shooting of Roy Middleton- Seeking Justice

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW! Greg, John, and Pat discuss how the grand jury is set to come together in the shooting incident by two Escambia County Sheriff deputies of an innocent civilian, Roy Middleton, resulting in him being fired at 15 times and hit twice in his own car port. They encourage us to seek justice before God for Roy Middleton. They discuss that a grand jury is a group of selected citizens that are empowered to conduct official proceedings to investigate potential criminal conduct and to determine whether criminal charges should be brought. Lord we cry out for mercy and justice.

t1007x1113awh
Related Content:

Grand Jury To Review ECSO Shootings Of Roy Middleton, James McGlothin

Civil Rights & Civil Christianity in America

Seeking Justice for Roy Middleton (Part 2 of 2) Interview with Pensacola Police Department Captain David Alexander

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW! (Be Sure to listen to Part 1 to this program. This is part 2 of the program focused on seeking justice for Roy Middleton who was shot 15 times by two deputy sheriff’s – see report of incident and details at NorthEscambia.com)

Greg, John and Pat begin a conversation regarding the Roy Middleton incident where an innocent man was shot by two Escambia County Sheriff Deputies resulting in his car being riddled with bullets and the shattering of Mr. Middleton’s femur. Greg interviews Captain David Alexander III of the Pensacola Police Department to share his own personal views and perspective of what is happening in Escambia County as they begin a conversation to acknowledge realities with a goal of bringing healing to the county.

Roy Middleton

Captain David Alexander III who is also an assistant Pastor at Jesus Holy Tabernacle Church shares his personal views and not the views of the Pensacola Police Department. He continues to share that there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed. He shares that it is very rare for an officer to shoot at a suspect so many times when most officers in their career my never even have to fire their weapon. Captain Alexander continues to share that it is his opinion that whenever there are problems in your community those problems will be reflected in public life. [LISTEN NOW TO: NO ONE CRIES FOR JUSTICE, by Greg Lancaster] “The real problem is the lack of trust.” Captain Alexander says. He shares that this just doesn’t make sense relating to what happened to Mr. Middleton and the first response from others was to defend the actions of those involved. Greg shares how Captain Alexander is not merely offering rhetoric but as one who has faithfully partnered with the community not only as a law enforcement officer but also as a minister as well as his participation in

Sheriff David Morgan

the Pensacola Father and Son Camping trip. We have to begin to demand honesty from those who serve the public. Mr. Middleton shares that he felt like he was in front of a firing squad. This begs to questions as to why there has not been a public acknowledgement, any empathy or an apology for Mr. Middleton. Sheriff David Morgan says “Mr. Middleton was both a suspect and a victim.” Sheriff Morgan then goes on BLAB TV, a local television program where Roy Middleton lives, on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech and lectured the African American community about why crime is so high crediting it to their culture. [See Sheriff David Morgan Video Below] They continue to discuss how Christians should respond to this injustice as every single person is important to God. The reason given as to why Mr. Middleton was shot was he failed to comply. What essentially is being said is shoot until the person complies. Captain Alexander continues to underscore the importance of having a good relationship between law enforcement and the community. It’s important not just to talk but to have real compassion. Mr. Middleton is a human being and is made in the image and likeness of God. When Mr. Middleton was asked what do you want? This was his response, “I cannot say what I want because I am still asking why?” God is just. May the Lord Grace us to begin a conversation that acknowledges injustice and one that fosters healing in Escambia County and in the entire nation.

Escambia County Florida Sheriff David Morgan Speaks on Roy Middleton Shooting and Racial Problems in America

http://newday.blogs.cnn.com/2013/08/01/sheriff-on-shooting-unarmed-man-in-his-driveway-he-did-not-comply/

Image Credit: CNN.com


Roy Middleton Interviewed on CNN CLICK IMAGE FOR VIDEO

Image Credit CNN.com

Roy Middleton Interview with CNN ( CLICK IMAGE FOR VIDEO)

Image Credit: CNN.com and City of Pensacola

Color Blindness; Seeking Justice for Roy Middleton

LISTEN NOW TO: NO ONE CRIES FOR JUSTICE, by Greg Lancaster

Related Content:

Sheriff on Shooting Unarmed Man in his Driveway: “He Did Not Comply”
Roy Middleton, Florida man mistakenly shot by deputies, wonders why

NorthEscambia.com – Details Emerge In Deputy Involved Shooting Of Unarmed Man
Article updated: September 24, 2013
C1I2V3I4L5

Civil Rights & Civil Christianity in America

Seeking Justice for Roy Middleton (Part 1 of 2)

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW! (Be Sure to listen to Part 2 to this program. This is part 1 of 2 of the program focused on seeking justice for Roy Middleton who was shot 15 times by two deputy sheriff’s – see report of incident and details at NorthEscambia.com)

Greg, John, and Pat discuss the recent shooting of Roy Middleton in Escambia County, Florida by Escambia CountySheriff deputies in the dark early hours in the month of July. Mr. Middleton was shot by Escambia Law Enforcement officers while he was in his own home, in his own car port, getting into in his own family car. The officers fired 15 shots at Roy Middleton who allegedly did not respond to the police officers commands. Mr. Middleton was shot in his own house as he describes “It was like a firing squad”. They continue to discuss how it is challenging to respond to anyone in the midst of tragedy especially

Roy Middleton

when you have been shot in the leg as Roy Middleton was. [Watch Sheriff David Morgan Speak about Roy Middleton]Roy’s car was riddled with bullets and he, although fortunately is alive, was shot in the leg which resulted in a shattered femur. GREG he shares about when HE WAS SHOT AT TWICE, hit once and how Gary Watson, with Exit Reality rushed him to the hospital and Deputy Doug Heist risked his life to arrest the shooter. He also speaks of the bank robbery that cost Deputy Heist his life for the citizens of Escambia County. [LISTEN NOW TO: NO ONE CRIES FOR JUSTICE, by Greg Lancaster] Greg shares an account from his former days as an Escambia County Deputy, where he successfully apprehended a criminal and out of nowhere he was shot upon in the dark of night. He continues to explain how in the dark he couldn’t see who was shooting all he could see was the muzzle of the gun after the shots were fired. It is important from a Christian perspective to respond to what happened to Roy Middleton in view of what the Bible instructs us in

Psalm 41:1 “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; for the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.”


Roy Middleton’s Car

This is a major injustice as well as appalling that a man who was on his own property, in his own car port, getting something out of his own car, to be fired upon by police officers who parked their police cars down the street. It begs to question as to what spirit is in the air that would cause anyone not to respond in a way that is void of empathy, acknowledgement or an apology for what was done to Roy Middleton. There is a huge vacuum of silence at the moment from the church and this should not be. It’s time to begin asking God how we should respond to this tragedy in our community. Our hearts go out to Roy Middleton as his request is for us to continue to pray for his healing and

Deputy Don Cook

for his and his family safety. It is important to note that just like we have some doctors, teachers, and pastors that don’t necessarily need to be in their profession the same rings true for some police officers. There are some in law enforcement that need to find another profession.

Deputy Doug Heist

Those that work in public office must remember that they work for the citizens. Greg is quick to point out that there are many good police officers today just like there were good officers when he was a deputy. He continues to share how police officers like Doug Heist and Don Cook lost their lives in service to the citizens in Escambia County. These were fine officers that served the citizens of Escambia County and lost their lives in the line of duty. We don’t just honor them but all the law enforcement officers in Escambia County that have given their lives in the line of duty. We mustn’t forget that God is just and what happened to Roy Middleton should be acknowledged for the tragedy it was and to seek healing. All law enforcement work for the citizens and it’s the citizens that allow them to serve. The safety, protection and honor of all citizens since they are all made in the image and likeness of God should be highly regarded no matter who they are. Dear God forgive us of our sins and for Your church to rise up to bring healing to our communities and the nation.

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office

HERO’S WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE CITIZENS OF ESCAMBIA COUNTY

	Lieutenant George Hura, Jr. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Tuesday, May 4, 2004 Cause: Heart attack
	Sheriff’s Sergeant Roosevelt Walker, Jr. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Friday, May 22, 1998 Cause: Heart attack
	Deputy Sheriff Donald Ray Cook Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Saturday, December 3, 1988 Cause: Vehicular assault
	Corporal Eric Byron Streeter Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Tuesday, March 13, 1984 Cause: Gunfire
	Deputy Sheriff Floyd Douglas Heist, Sr. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Saturday, May 3, 1980 Cause: Gunfire
	Deputy Sheriff Morley G. Ray Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Friday, April 7, 1978 Cause: Gunfire
	Deputy Sheriff Charles Leroy Wilkerson Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Saturday, January 19, 1974 Cause: Gunfire
	Deputy Sheriff Joseph Mallory Gassman Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Sunday, January 30, 1966 Cause: Stabbed
	Deputy Sheriff Len Burt Adams Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Monday, June 16, 1958 Cause: Gunfire
	Constable William Clinton Rigby Escambia County District Four Constable’s Office EOW: Sunday, September 4, 1955 Cause: Automobile accident
	Deputy Sheriff Joseph Elmer Whitworth Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Thursday, April 22, 1954 Cause: Gunfire
	Sheriff A. Cary Ellis Escambia County Sheriff’s Office EOW: Tuesday, September 25, 1923 Cause: Gunfire

Related Articles:
SeekingJustice for Roy Middleton (Part 2 of 2) Interview with Pensacola PoliceDepartment Captain David Alexander

50th Year Anniversary of Dr King’s, “I Have a Dream!” How Much Has Changed?

ColorBlindness; Seeking Justice for Roy Middleton

NorthEscambia.com – Details Emerge In Deputy Involved Shooting Of Unarmed Man
LISTEN NOW TO: NO ONE CRIES FOR JUSTICE, by Greg Lancaster
t09016x2013awh C1I2V3I4L5

Civil Rights & Civil Christianity in America

50th Year Anniversary of Dr King’s, “I Have a Dream!” How Much Has Changed?

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW! Greg, John and Pat discuss the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream Speech”. They discuss Dr. King’s journey from the days of Ebenezer church all the way to the Washington Mall. He was invited as a speaker for the March on Washington event and Dr. King just released what was on the inside of him. Dr. King’s speech is still so moving even when heard today because just as it struck a chord then it strikes a chord today in the hearts of all men that have seen and or experienced the injustices and inequality that African Americans have experienced before, during and after his “I have a dream speech.” In his speech Dr. King said “I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self- evident that all men are created equal.” The truth is that all although the Declaration of Independence stated that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights,” a key principle in America’s Revolution, this still was not a reality for African Americans.

Medger Evers: Civil Rights Activist

He goes on in his speech to share that his dream was far different than what was happening in the southern states like Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. “I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and Justice. Well just about six weeks before the March on Washington civil rights activist Medgar Evers was assassinated in Mississippi. In this same speech this is what he said regarding the state of Alabama, “I have a dream that one day in Alabama, with its vicious racist, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; that one day right down in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.” If you don’t have context, you may be tempted to think that these are just eloquent words but the truth is that the

Governor George Wallace

citizens of Alabama voted in a racist Governor by the name of George Wallace who was the third longest serving governor at 5,848 days. He believed in segregation and did everything in his power to enforce it. As a country we need to humble ourselves and look at the whole picture of America and see that it was not too long ago that great injustices had been committed in this nation. They continue to discuss the brutal beating and eventually killing of Emmett Tillthat resulted to him being tied to a cotton gin fan and his body thrown in the water just because of rumor involving a white woman.

Emmett Till

It was his mother who made the brave decision to have an open casket for Emmett’s funeral so the world could see what was happening to African Americans just because of the color of their skin. Now almost fifty years to the day of Dr. King’s “I have a dream speech”, in Escambia County an African American man by the name of RoyMiddleton was shot at by two

Escambia County deputies. Mr. Middleton was shot at fifteen times fortunately none of the bullets were fatal although he suffered from a fracture in his femur. They continue to discuss how many in the community were not pleased with the Sheriff’s

Roy Middleton

response because it lacked empathy especially for a man that was shot at in front of his own home, entering his mother’s car and where no crime had been committed. In context of this discussion about Dr. King’s speech and what led up to it they continue to discuss how the church was not present standing with Dr. King, in fact some in the church at that time where burning crosses in front of African American homes. They discuss a segment entitled, “Racismin the Church still?”
which is about how Derrick Grice an African American brother in the Lord one day had the police called on him while he was praying in the parking lot by the same white woman he attended church with for five years. It’s time for the church to repent individually for our sins but for the sins of our fathers as well.

They continue to discuss how on 2 days short of the 37th anniversary of Dr. King’s I have a dream speech Greg along with other pastors gathered to pray at a city wide event, “United Prayer for Pensacola”, held at the Pensacola Bay Center, formally known as Pensacola Civic Center. Greg was led by the Lord to repent for the racial profiling that was done by police officers in the city. He and Pastor Willie Williams prayed together as Greg offering repentance and African American Pastor Willie Williams received it. This act of humility brought great healing. See video of this repentance here. Humility and repentance is the only way to bring healing.

Image courtesy of Olga Popova/shutterstock.com

Related Content:
Deputy involved shooting outrage grows

Related Articles:

Racism in the Church still?
Racial Profiling from Law Enforcement, Ministers Greg and Willie are used by God to repent.