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need , without us having to ask , and you just don ’ t find those kind of community partnerships everyday ,” said Sheppard .
Sheppard confirmed that Northside feeds the Hornet Football Team before every game , and are a powerful force in support of District initiatives . “ Reagan walks his talk , and his leadership makes a difference in young people ’ s lives ,” said Sheppard .
Under Cooksey ’ s leadership , Northside earmarks in excess of $ 250,000 annually to spending in the community and schools . From passing out thousands of bottles of water at major community events , to supporting the Walker County Fair Association , Northside prioritizes pragmatic regular ways to lift their neighbors .
Cooksey describes his theology as conservative , and his style as straightforward . Which came across as he responded to the escalating protests over the War in Gaza , and his advice for young students .
“ I believe we as a people and as a nation must stand with Israel ,” said Cooksey .
“ But we ’ ve got to learn to separate the humanitarian side from the political aspects of it ,” said Cooksey . He suggests it is right to provide merciful aide to the Palestinians in Gaza , but also important to stand with our allies when they are under attack .
“ I hate war , but for me , I have to take into account the scriptural ... still , forcing folks into starvation is horrendous ,” said Cooksey .
“ I believe logical men can sit down together , but people being illogical or responding too quickly , puts at jeopardy the lives of people and nations . Outside of God , it ’ s hard to settle some of these things ,” Cooksey said .
Like a good Baptist preacher , Cooksey left three pieces of advice for those young people struggling to make sense of our world .
“ If we would fall in love with our opposition , we would be in a better place ,” Cooksey said .
1 . By falling in love with God , it somehow changes people from within .
2 . Love transcends disagreement . When conflict happens we let opinion override relationships , and we can ’ t keep doing that .
3 . Tell ‘ em that you love ‘ em , even when you don ’ t . No human loves people all the time . But that doesn ’ t mean we don ’ t need to portray it more , especially in conflict .
To Cooksey being a pastor is a heavy word , with a heavier responsibility . But Cooksey serves with a spirit of joy , and assurance that those practical , steady steps he took nearly 40 years ago , are making Huntsville a stronger community today .
Story by George Oliver
12 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING / BEST OF HUNTSVILLE | MAY 2024