I love my state. South Carolina is a large part of my life. Sure, I would venture over in to northern Georgia or North Carolina at times when I was young, and even made an obligatory trip to Florida a time or two, but South Carolina always had my heart. There is just something about this state. Something about that field of blue of a crescent moon and palmetto tree. I love it.
I didn’t realize how much I loved it until I moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. Don’t get me wrong: I love New Orleans, too. Love the people. Love the church I served. LOVE the seminary I attended. But there was always something about this state. Living away for three years helped me know even more how much I love this place.
Fast-forward 20 years later. One of the most heartbreaking tragedies to ever happen in an American church happens in Charleston. Nine people … Nine CHRISTIANS. Nine worshippers were gunned down. The intent of the shooter? To start a race war. But, to quote a long time friend of mine who is now a Charleston resident, “He failed.”
What we see now is a revival, of sorts (to quote another good friend who is a Charleston resident). We see people bonding together. White, black, purple, green, EVERY COLOR. LOVING. We see the families of those who were brutally murdered FORGIVING the murderer. (I think because they know it will do no good to hold a grudge.) We see a city … in SC, it is known as the “Holy City” … Instead of falling into anarchy, this great city has pulled together with love, grace, and mercy. I believe God is glorified in this. I believe the devil is mad, because his little plan just failed.
Foiled by Charleston. Foiled by South Carolina.
And, today, I am prouder than ever before to be a son of South Carolina. Sure, we have our faults. We are not perfect. But we are South Carolina. And that is pretty great in itself.
The Random Thinker 
Agree!