#charlestonstrong

As I made my way to Charleston yesterday, on the very day they laid Senator Pinckney to rest, I didn’t know what to expect. I just knew I wanted to be there and pay my respects to those nine souls that tragically lost their lives at Bible study just a few weeks ago. I can honestly say that this story has had a huge impact on me personally. I do believe that “all things work together for good for those that love the Lord” and nothing could be a better example of this than what has happened in Charleston since that horrible night. As I made my way down the street to the Mother Emanuel AME church, I was awestruck by the overwhelming sense of community and love that everyone seemed to have for one another. It is hard to put into words. I have never experienced anything like it and doubt I ever will again. I can’t help but feel thankful…thankful to God for turning such evil into something good, thankful to all my fellow South Carolinians for their outpouring of love, and thankful that I call this great state home. Through this shared grief, we have come out stronger and more united than ever before.

While driving through the Ace Basin on my way home, I noticed this flag that someone placed on one of the beautiful, dead trees in the marsh. I thought it was lovely. I decided to take the time to photograph it and I am so glad I did. I think it is one of my favorite images I have taken thus far and all the more meaningful in light of recent events.