He Still Prays for Us- Remembering Brother Bryan Amid Tragedy

Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, I was surrounded by a rich tapestry of history and community spirit that shaped my childhood. The vibrant neighborhoods, filled with friendly faces and the sounds of laughter, often reminded me of the warmth of a close-knit family. 

I attempted to capture my love for this city despite our issues in a previous post reviewing the movie, Woodlawn.

Woodlawn Post 2015

In the heart of this city stands the statue of Brother Bryan, a man whose life and legacy have become emblematic of hope and service. Known as the "Sermon on the Street," Brother Bryan dedicated himself to uplifting the downtrodden and advocating for those in need during the early 20th century. He was a beloved figure, known for his unwavering compassion and tireless efforts to provide food, shelter, and spiritual guidance to the less fortunate. His deep faith and commitment to prayer inspired countless individuals, reminding us all of the importance of kindness and community support. Through his actions, Brother Bryan left an indelible mark on Birmingham, embodying the spirit of love that continues to resonate today.

On the night of September 21, 2024 a tragic shooting in Birmingham’s bustling Five Points South area shattered lives and left a community grappling with the aftermath. Four people were killed, and 17 others were injured in what police believe was a targeted attack. As chaos erupted, the echoes of gunfire rang out in a space where laughter and joy should have thrived, marking a heartbreaking reminder of the violence that can disrupt our lives.

As bullets filled the air, people fell, people ran... the statue of Brother Bryan stayed in prayer.

Inspired by Brother Bryan’s unwavering faith and the recent tragedy, I felt compelled to express my feelings through a song. The event weighed heavily on my heart, prompting me to write song lyrics that captures the essence of hope in the face of despair. The song, titled Still He Prays, seeks to reflect the pain of loss while reminding us of the strength that comes from love and prayer.

The full song is here: 

He Still Prays

Still he prays, in the chaos and the pain,

Through the violence and the rain,

For the healing of this land.

Still he prays, though the world may turn away,

In the night and in the day,

With a hope we can’t understand.

These lines echo the sentiment that, even amid tragedy, hope can rise like a dawn after the darkest night. It is a call to remember that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is a light that can guide us through even the most difficult times.

As we reflect on Brother Bryan’s legacy and the recent events that have shaken our community, I encourage everyone to remember his message of love and prayer. In the face of violence and despair, let us seek out ways to support one another and foster hope within our hearts.

Art has the power to heal, inspire, and unite us, even when the world feels chaotic. Let us carry forward Brother Bryan’s spirit by choosing hope, compassion, and a commitment to making our community a safer, more loving place.

In times of darkness, may we always remember: hope shines bright, and it won’t fade away.

And as we pray- let's remember our Mayor, Randall Woodfin who presented a steady voice of reason and leadership in this chaos, our police officials who still are working the case, the individuals still healing, and especially the families of those who lost loved ones.

The violence needs to stop. Have we lost so much hope and regard for life that pulling a trigger seems inconsequential? Can we not reasonably find multiple approaches to limiting both guns and violence? A few small steps may save one life... what is that life worth?