Pastor’s Word For 6/12/2026

A few days ago (6/9/2026) we witnessed that a young man was convicted for 35 years for stabbing his classmate after an altercation. This stabbing, unfortunately, led to the classmate dying. In the picture below are two comparisons of a slightly similar cases but different faces and different ending though. I’m not here to proclaim innocence but I know that one was provoked and the other was self defense. The outcome of Karmelo Anthony showcases that all the jurors saw was someone of a different race take the life of one of their own. The taking of anyone’s life is unacceptable no matter the race but when you give someone a sentence close to life for them-it is demoralizing to the highest degree. I’m praying for Karmelo and his family as they appeal this verdict. What he did may be unacceptable but the factors prior to this event that caused him to do it is where the guilt should lie. Did the teachers/coaches do what they were supposed to do to prevent this? Did the parents equip their kids with better tools to address their differences or did they let pride and peer pressure take over? We’ll never know the answer directly for Cayden Allison in 2022 or Karmelo Anthony in 2026. The lesson for us is to never judge any book without reading it first. This will be addressed in this weekend’s sermon “Changing Lanes” & on our special Juneteenth Celebration next Friday “Still Here.”

Yours In Christ,

Rev. Brian C. Pughsley

Host Pastor

Safe Haven Podcast Ministries