Anne Lamott once put it perfectly when she wrote, "You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do."
When it comes to Christianity, some practitioners believe that the words of Jesus Christ help them to be welcoming of people regardless of their race or sexuality. While others use the Bible to validate their own prejudices.
In 2019, it's hard to imagine that people would use the good book to discriminate against a biracial couple looking to get married, but in Boonesville, Mississippi, a venue refused to let a black man and a white woman marry in its event hall because the owner's "Christian belief."
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After her brother's wedding was cancelled, LaKambria Welch confronted the owner of Boone's Camp Event Hall to learn the reason.
"First of all, we don't do gay weddings or mixed race, because of our Christian race — I mean, our Christian belief," a woman who is believed to be the owner told Welch.
(Saying "Christian race" has to be a Freudian slip.)
Welch said she, too, was Christian and the owner said she didn't want to "argue my faith."
"We just don't participate," the woman tells Welch.
"Okay. So that's your Christian belief, right?" Welch asks the woman.
"Yes ma'am," she replies.
What's telling was that the woman didn't want to argue her faith. That shows she probably never really understood it in the first place. Or, that she's a racist and wanted to hide behind the Bible to rationalize her bigotry.
Either way, she's wrong. Racism is, of course, is unacceptable and the Bible says nothing about interracial marriage.
"When she explained that she doesn't do the two specific type of weddings, I felt myself starting to shake," Welch said according to Buzzfeed, "just hearing it gave me chills."
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Welch posted the video on Facebook where it quickly went viral and the owner of Boone's Camp Event Hall responded with her own post where she issued apology.
"I was unable to recall instances where the Bible was used giving a verse that would support my decision... after church I have come to the conclusion that my decision which was based on what I had thought was correct to be supported by the Bible was incorrect!"
"To all of those offended, hurt or felt condemn by my statement I truly apologize to you for my ignorance in not knowing the truth about this," the post read. "My intent was never of racism, but to stand firm on what I 'assumed' was right concerning marriage."
The city of Booneville responded to the controversy with a statement on Facebook
"The City of Booneville, Mayor, and Board of Aldermen do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status," the statement said.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.