A while ago I created a series dedicated to seeing God in the beautiful places I’ve been blessed to travel. I am blessed to be able to live in one of those gorgeous places now, and I thought it was about time I resurrect this series.

Charleston is a vibrant city; one that stands strong in the face of high tide and high wind. Perched between mighty, winding rivers, this city boldly faces storm after storm, her resilience shining through. It is a city that, by American standards, has seen so many things. Wars, poverty, growth, wealth. Through it all, it has retained its southern charm, low-country beauty, and rich, diverse cultures.

Along the harbor, you see sparkling waters, playful dolphins, and glorious sunsets. You see tall grass, mighty fowl and a protected city. In Charleston, God created a masterpiece: complete with rich soil, waterways for transportation and trade, and a beautiful reminder that His hand holds it all.

Perhaps what I love most about Charleston is downtown. While it is man-made buildings and exciting architecture, it reminds me the most of my God. As you wander aimlessly through rows of three story houses, rich with color and iron-work, you cannot help but stand in awe of their beauty and majesty. As you gaze, though, it’s impossible not to think of all the things these aged homes have seen. These homes have seen wars and riots and disease; segregation and hatred and death. The cobblestone paths have felt the feet of those struggling through poverty; seen the hypocrisy of aristocrats and the suffering of a war-ravaged people. The cheery, rainbow facades hide deep secrets and dark pasts, yet the city has survived. Charleston, while clearly battered by time and war and the elements, is not a broken place. It is very much alive and thriving. That is why I see God here.

You see, I am Charleston. My facade may be cheery and bright, but my eyes have seen hurt and death and struggle. My life has been ravaged by an internal war, and there have most definitely been casualties. But like Charleston, my God has made me resilient. I have seen and experienced those things, sure, but they don’t define me. What defines me is that I’m still standing. What defines me is that there’s still beauty, even though trials have come.  God did that. He did that for me just as He did that for Charleston.

I may see hypocrisy and deceit in my life. I may experience hurt and suffering. The tides may rise and the winds may threaten, but God can calm the storms of my life. He can take the bad and make it work together for good. How blessed am I to live in a place that reminds me so clearly and so often of exactly what God is doing in my life!