TO TURN SORROW INTO CHRISTIAN PURPOSE

This year, I'm participating in my first political campaign. A colleague of mine, David Oh, is running for City Council at Large here in Philadelphia. He is a Korean-American Republican who runs his own law firm. I trust this guy, and know that his heart is for God and for justice; sadly, I haven't yet met another politician that I can say that about. He's running on a platform of education, entrepreneurship, and immigration as three ways to stem the population loss our city has experienced over the past fifty years, due to the decline of manufacturing and to long-term social and racial trends.

Today, he officially announced his candidacy at a church cemetery near Independence Hall. Also known as the "Church of Patriots", it is the final resting place for a number of Revolutionary War heroes. David's cousin, In-Ho Oh, is also buried there. From David's written announcement, which was sent to all campaign committee members late last week: "[In-Ho] was 26 years old when he was killed by a gang of juveniles in 1958. As a result of his death, church and civic leaders joined public officials in an intense effort to address issues of social inequality, juvenile delinquency and criminal justice. They kindly provided this land for his burial. His tombstone simply reads, 'To turn sorrow into Christian purpose'."

In a city with plenty to be sorrowful about, I can think of no better an anthem for the urban Christian. May He bless this campaign, and our lives, with His purpose.