The Holy City Mourns

On my first visit to Charleston almost two decades ago, I felt as if I had stumbled onto something of a secret; tropical looking plants, old world architecture, special people, and history that I thought I knew, but discovered was endless.  That day made a big impression and inspired me to move here as soon as I had the chance.  Even years after I had relocated and settled here, it still felt to me as if the rest of the world and the country didn’t know enough about this area.  However, those days are over and for some time now it’s been apparent that the world knows what a special place we call home.

Savannah, Georgia is two hours away and Atlanta is a four and a half hour drive.  It has been said that people living within this triangle go to Atlanta to shop, Savannah to drink, and they come to Charleston to eat.  I’m not a big shopper or drinker, so I’m not sure how much I can really lend to this philosophy.  However, with Atlanta being the biggest city in the south, I’m sure one can get some serious shopping done there and drinking seems to be a big part of the Savannah culture.  Charleston has more than it’s share of amazing restaurants and I should really brag on the food around here another time. 

Getty Images

However, within the weeks following the shooting at the Emanuel AME Church, I wanted to talk about Charleston as a spiritual place.  It seems as if the world now understands that this is The Holy City and since the tragic events of June 17^th, folks have started traveling here to mourn and grieve and show respect for the victims and support for the families and congregation, and with that they’re coming here to pray.  As we’ve all witnessed, forgiveness is a powerful unseen force and so is prayer.  We are certainly all thankful for all the praying.    

AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton

There is mystery in faith and prayer.  I’m no expert in either area, but please keep launching up the prayers for the families of the nine people lost.  Pray that they’ll find strength and comfort daily.  Pray that they’ll maintain their spiritual strength.  Pray that they’ll be cared for and looked after as they work through their grief.  Pray that those around them love and support them as needed.  Please pray for our local officials and law enforcement as well.  The funerals are now over and there is still a lot of healing to do in the weeks and months to come.   

Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties in countless ways form a large city, but this tragedy has reminded us here that we are a small community.  Thank you for praying for Charleston.