On MLK Sunday, Callie Greer preached at Beloved, sharing her story of unimaginable hurt and loss, and forgiving the unforgiveable. Her sermon title was “To Forgive or Not To Forgive: Holding Yourself Hostage.” She forgave the young man who shot her son to death, in part to set her own soul free. She forgave the man who sexually abused her daughter and herself, nursing him in her own home to the end of his life. She inspired all of us to forgive the many petty grudges we hold.
For those of you who had the chance to meet Callie, you know that she has an outspoken spirit and caring heart and impacts everyone she comes into contact with. She has no problem speaking her mind and telling you exactly where she stands on any issue. You know when she is in the room. She is a rare and remarkable being. Her life has been a constant uphill battle. She has suffered much loss, heartache, trials, and tribulations. But through it all, she has proven herself to be a woman of faith, strength, courage and perseverance. Despite her personal challenges, she is constantly fighting for the rights of others, in particular for a new constitution for the state of Alabama.
Last Saturday, Callie lost her young daughter Venus to a four-year battle with cancer. Not completely healed from the loss of her son, Mercury, to senseless gun violence several years ago, Callie must now lay to rest her daughter, Venus.
Tari Williams on Greater Birmingham Ministries’ staff writes:
Callie and her family are holding up remarkably well. But, Venus’s battle with cancer is a truly sad and heart-wrenching testament about the need for healthcare reform. Venus knew she was sick long before the doctors discovered her cancer. Because she had no healthcare coverage, when she initially started having chest pains, shortness of breath and other seemingly minor but lingering ailments she could not explain, she went to the emergency room. She was sent home a total of five times over the course of about 18 months because she and her symptoms were not taken seriously. Each time, she was given a quick cursory exam and sent home. By the sixth time, she showed up in the emergency room with pain radiating through the right side of her body, difficulty breathing, and a significant loss of weight because she was unable to keep food down. She had made up her mind that she was not going to leave the ER until someone gave her some real answers. She demanded to be taken seriously. Once she explained to the doctor her symptoms, how many times she had been to the ER and he saw the fear and determination in her eyes, a more comprehensive exam was done and further tests ordered. Cancer had already placed a firm stake on her body. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Venus weighing less than 100lbs., handled a right breast mastectomy, radiation treatments and chemotherapy like a trained Navy Seal. Venus actually won her battle with breast cancer. But, less than one year later, the cancer came back and began attacking several areas of her body one by one, with the last being her brain. Callie was by her side every step of the way.
Callie and her family need your prayers and support. Please allow her the time and space she needs to grieve and make final preparations. Feel free to contact Tari or Angie at GBM with any questions: (205) 326 – 6821.
Callie and her family are in need of help with funeral expenses — at her young age,who would think that Venus would need burial or life insurance? If you would like to help, you can make checks to Beloved Community Church (Callie Greer in the memo line). You can also drop off any personal notes and/or cards.
