Designate

The word-based Jumbotron inside the city hall of Long Beach, California provides a close-up shot of a miraculous moment. Before the electronic scroll quickly flashed by and came to a close, the neon green circles confirmed what was hand-written in the sky. When decisions are made visions do not fade. The tremendous adversity faced day to day, tears begetting cries, could not stop hopeful perseverance: God married a single mother.

Eight out nine council members who represent the nine districts of Long Beach voted, “YES.” Their response was projected on the presentation screen. One council member was absent.

GARCIA                YES

LOWENTHAL     YES

DELONG              YES

O’DONNELL        YES

SCHIPSKE            YES

ANDREWS           YES

URANGA              YES

GABELICH          YES

LERCH

Through it all, Ms. King has been deeply moved by her personal justice journey. Her favorite Gospel song unmistakably sung by Marvin Sapp, “Never Would Have Made It” seamlessly goes along with her unique testimony. His loving action wrapped up in his voice has compassionately identified with the loss of her son. We can move to that.

“Never would have made it
Never could have made it without You
I would have lost it all
But now I see how You were there for me

And I can say
Never would have made it
Never could have made it
Without You

I would have lost it all
But I now I see
How You were there for me
And I can say

I’m stronger, I’m wiser
I’m better, much better

When I look back
Over all You brought me through
I can see that You were the One
I held on to

And I never, never would have made it
(Never would have made it)
Oh, I never could have made it
(Never could have made it without You)

Oh, I would have lost it all
Oh, but now I see
How You were there for me

I never
(Never would have made it)
No, I never
(Never could have made it without You)

I would’ve lost my mind
A long time ago
If it had not been for You”