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Let Light Shine Out Of Darkness


Viewed: 2970

Posted by: Steve Hardwick
Date: Oct 06 2019 3:32 PM

Let Light Shine Out Of Darkness
2 Corinthians 4:6


On Feb 2, 1937 ...19 year old Wesley Johnson from Tumbleton, Alabama was lynched from the Henry County Jail and then shot multiple times before he was left hanging from a tree limb.


I was told about Wesley many years ago by my relatives who were from Henry County and it has haunted me ever since.


For years I tried to find Wesley’s grave until I was finally told that he was buried in a cemetery but his grave was unmarked.


I didn’t stop there...I kept asking


Until I finally found it last year.


My mission didn’t stop there...


Wesley Johnson didn’t deserve to be buried for 80 years in a unmarked grave..Just like anyone else’s child..Wesley deserved a headstone.


And that my friends is where...
“ The Light Came Out Of Darkness “


After searching for a Johnson relative so that I could ask for permission to have a headstone made for Wesley’s resting place..I finally was introduced to Wesley’s cousin...James Johnson.


James was a little skeptical at first.
“ Why would a total stranger...much less a white man..want to do this for Wesley?”


I told James that I couldn’t explain it ..but ever since being told about Wesley being lynched I have felt a connection to him and I just wanted to do something for him.


As strange as it may sound...even today as I am writing this..I still feel that connection to Wesley.


The fear that he must have felt as he was lynched from the jail and driven back to Tumbleton where soon his life would tragically end hanging from a large tree limb with a noose around his neck at the end of a rope.


I was given permission or as I prefer to call it...The Johnson Family’s Blessings


Finally After 82 Years Wesley Had A Beautiful Headstone ???


Later After talking to James and telling him about the Angel Of Hope...sadly I learned that James had lost a son. I asked him would he please come and speak to the other parents who had lost a child at the next Candlelight Vigil and he gladly accepted.


From That Moment Of Our First Meeting At Wesley’s Grave...A Wonderful Friendship Was Born!!


I Am Proud To Call James Johnson One Of My Very Best Friends Or As I Tell Him..
HE IS MY BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER.


James you are my brother and I am so thankful that my journey looking for Wesley ended by gaining such a wonderful friend...named James Johnson??



Let Light Shine Out Of Darkness

Let Light Shine Out Of Darkness

Jo Jo's Laundromutt

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