As I’m sure you know by now, Charlotte, North Carolina has been overcome by chaos this week in the form of protests-turned-riots. It is a heartbreaking situation for all involved. But don’t listen to me; hear it from someone who’s living it.
My dear sister Kristen lives in and loves the Queen City. Her witty and assertive personality has served her well in the city of skyscrapers and fast drivers. However, the city has been nothing like its normal self lately. As I checked in on her this week, Kristen’s words broke my heart.
Here are fourteen text messages that show what it feels like to be living in Charlotte right now.
1. “it’s scary”
2. “We are in a state of emergency . . . It’s all everybody has been talking about!”
While the media has been showing those directly involved in the protests, they have not shown what it is like for the other residents of the city during the state of emergency.
3. “it’s even worse than what is shown on tv”
With the horror that is depicted on every news station, it’s hard to imagine how it could be any worse, but that is the current reality of Charlotte.
4. “I wish there was something I could do.”
Those not directly involved feel utterly helpless in this time of immense suffering and frustration. “I’m hurt that they’re hurting.”
“the world needs prayer and unity.”
5. “I just want it to be over.”
6. Constant reminders are everywhere
7. “Feels like I’m in a movie.”
These are things you expect to see on the silver screen, not in your backyard.
8. “nobody is doing anything. Everybody is just going from work to home.”
For a city that is normally so full of excitement, it is a huge shift for people now to barely go anywhere but home and work (that is, for those whose places of employment are open or accessible).
9. “They are everywhere”
The police are physically making locations shut down before midnight.
10. “It literally seems like a war zone.”
11. “there are always cars on the road here in Charlotte!”
If you’ve ever sat through Charlotte traffic, you know how bizarre and unfathomable it is to not see a single other car on the road. The streets at night have essentially become ghost towns. Just another reminder of the mandated lockdown due to the state of emergency.
12. “Is the purge about to happen?”
With every midnight as lockdown commences comes the reminder of the city’s state of disarray. It is an uncomfortable time to be in the city, but for those with faith in a protecting God, sleep comes a little more easily.
13. Living on the third floor definitely has its perks in this purge-like atmosphere.
14. You have to make the most of the situation.
For those living in Charlotte right now, the city they love is now a frightening place to be. Please keep the people of Charlotte in your prayers. Even those not directly involved with the chaos of uptown are still affected by it.
Imagine trying to go on with your day, getting work done, attempting to rest, while helicopters loom overhead and shops just miles away are broken into.
Businesses close early.
Police make sure you’re going home by midnight.
No one on the streets.
Military vehicles passing your house.
These truly are the images of a movie – one I wish my sister and many others weren’t living.
God help the Queen City.
Beasley Blunders 