Grateful to Call Charleston Home

In the time since Dylann Roof opened fire inside Emanuel A.M.E. Church in downtown Charleston, the city has come together in amazing ways. On Sunday evening following the shooting, twenty thousand people joined hands across the two-and-a-half-mile span of the Ravenel Bridge in a show of unity. All ages, all races . . . joined as one. A swelling of hope and love and support in the wake of this tragedy. Hearts are broken, for sure, but Charleston’s response has been a beautiful thing to witness.

The families of the victims stood up in court for all to see and spoke of forgiveness instead of hate. CNN interviewed the son and granddaughter of Daniel Simmons, Sr., one of the victims. When asked how they’re able to speak of hope and forgiveness in the wake of their loss, they both spoke of the love of Jesus Christ, and because they’re filled with that love, they’re able to live it out in their lives. Do they have moments of anger? Of course. Are they hurt and grieving? Yes. But they know Jesus, so they’re able to look up and see more than their own hurt and sorrow. Because of Charleston, God has been on the lips of the national news media this past week!

Emanuel A.M.E. may not be the same circumstances as Baltimore or Ferguson, but Charleston did experience a similar tragedy on April 4th with the shooting of Walter Scott. There were no riots, no violence, no vandalism, and no burning of the city. What is it about this place? It’s the people! I’m so thankful for the people of Charleston and how they’ve responded to Dylann Roof’s hate-filled crime.

Something our pastor said just four days after the shooting has resonated with me ever since. He said Dylann Roof came to Charleston to stir up a race riot, and what he got instead was a revival. People are openly sharing their love for the Lord in times of great personal difficulty. Forgiveness, hope, love, and even God himself are being talked about on national television. Who would have thought it possible?

The nine people who lost their lives on June 17th have left a legacy they likely never expected.

Just like Paul in Galatians 1:24, their lives leave this legacy: “And they praised God because of me.” There’s no better impact on the world than that!