Dear Editor:
Usually, I say what I have to say in The Dillon Herald by way of the column that you and the publisher have graciously allowed me to have for some time now.  However, this time is quite different, and I want to briefly express myself to the letter you received and printed concerning me on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.  The letter was from a man named Wil Brown of Latta, who accused me of being a homophobic, a hater, a bigot, and an idiot.  He certainly spoke his mind and in my opinion, attempted to defame and tarnish my name and reputation in a very venomous fashion.  In spite of what Mr. Brown said about me, I am not upset with him, and this response is not one of retaliation.  Mr. Brown is not my enemy and I am certainly not his.  Believe it or not, I support his right to disagree with me and to express it in a public medium like The Dillon Herald.  Though he was completely off and twisted about what I said in my column about the LGBT lifestyle, he has the right to speak his mind and words of opposition.  Mr. Brown is not the first nor will he be the last to label me with such obnoxious terms.  I regret that people like him, who often call people like me haters, bigots, and intolerant for our convictions and refusal to agree with and approve of alternative lifestyles, are the very ones who are intolerant, belligerent, and very hostile.  Nevertheless, I am determined to follow the example of one of my historical heroes by the name of Booker T. Washington who said, “I will not allow another person to pull me down to their level.”
I will say to Mr. Brown, “I love you and forgive you for your slanderous and venomous words against me.   I will continue to pray for your well-being in every area of your life.”
As often is my manner, I will close with these very inspiring and relevant words from none other than Jesus Christ, my Master, Savior, and Lord: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets, which were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).
Humbly Submitted,
Michael E. Goings
401 Pee Dee Church Road
Dillon, SC  29536