Oh Savannah

Just back from our spiritual journey to Savannah. Yeah, we were on the lookout for ghosts but discovered charm. Charm is a ghost from Savannah's past when Sherman was so allured by the city and its residents that he resisted the urge to burn it down unlike Atlanta and the homes, lands and communities in the 218 miles separating Savannah from Atlanta. Sherman reached Atlanta in December of 1864. On December 22, Sherman sent a telegram to Lincoln; "I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah, with one hundred and fifty guns and plenty of ammunition, also about twenty-five thousand bales of cotton."

Everybody loves Savannah, one of America's oldest cities and a reminder of what life was like before the wind had gone.

We came to celebrate Mary's birthday and be on the lookout.

The closest we came to ghosts was at the famous Pirate House which served as an inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson. Many an inebriated landlubber was kidnapped from the Pirate house and woke up on a sailing vessel swabbing decks and drinking rum for the next coupla years.

Some of the Savannah charm is almost animatronic as the residents have been charming for so long that their good nature and hospitality is seemingly programmed within their every gesture and mannerism. Kinda spooky in a good way.

While walking through the squares and Spanish moss, we came upon St. Joseph's Cathedral for yet another charming, spiritual boost. Vaulted ceilings and stupendous symmetry reward pilgrims. The interior is loaded with beautiful frescoes, statues, and altars, creating an irresistible sense of reverence and awe.

Savannah is known for its warm hospitality and sense of community, which creates a sense of belonging and spiritual connection which made me wonder why it took me 70 years to discover Savannah; a source of inspiration towards the spiritual reflection and creativity that is at the heart of Riversend while simultaneously wincing at the dark shadows of slavery and the scars of a system that inflicted profound harm and injustice on countless men, women, children and families.

The Savannah River flows  southeastward into the Atlantic Ocean.

Charm is a product of gratitude, humility, guilt and forgiveness.

Fortunately for me, I have a lot to be humble about, I've made more than my share of mistakes and I'm increasingly grateful for the lessons I have garnered from my times of misunderstanding, humiliation and shame.

In the spirit of Riversend, I have some suggestions.

For a moment everyday be grateful.

For a moment everyday be humble.

For a moment everyday be forgiving.

If the moments stretch to minutes or hours that's fine but it's the moment that begins the minute or more; the moment and the dedication.

The result is charm.

Take Savannah for instance.

Savannah's history is intertwined and blemished with the legacy of slavery, as the city was a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade and relied heavily on enslaved labor in its economy. Individuals and families who prospered in Savannah, particularly those of European descent, may have felt gratitude for their success and prosperity, which was often built on the exploitation of enslaved people. This gratitude could be seen in their lifestyles, investments, and contributions to the city's development.

Conversely, the history of Savannah is also marked by the profound injustice of slavery and its enduring impact on African American communities. Those who benefited from slavery, whether directly as slave owners or indirectly through economic ties, may have experienced feelings of guilt or complicity in perpetuating a system of oppression and exploitation. This guilt could manifest in various ways, such as efforts to rationalize or justify slavery, or attempts to distance oneself from its legacy.

In the post-Civil War era and beyond, Savannah, like much of the South, has grappled with the legacy of slavery and its implications for race relations and social justice. Efforts at reconciliation and reflection have included initiatives to preserve and interpret the city's African American heritage, such as the establishment of historic sites and museums dedicated to telling the stories of enslaved people and their descendants. These efforts reflect a recognition of the need to confront the injustices of the past and work towards a more equitable future while attempting to self-forgive the shadows of the past.

The result is charm fostered by humility burnished by guilt and gratitude.

Gratitude, particularly for survival, prosperity, or the kindness of others, can contribute to an individual's charm. People who express genuine gratitude tend to be more engaging, appreciative, and empathetic, qualities that are often associated with charm. In Savannah's context, individuals who acknowledge and appreciate the city's rich history, cultural diversity, and community resilience may exude a charm that is rooted in a deep sense of gratitude for their surroundings and heritage.

Guilt, especially when it stems from historical injustices like slavery, can motivate individuals to adopt charming behaviors as a form of compensation or reconciliation. Those who feel a sense of guilt for the city's past may strive to cultivate charm as a way of fostering positive relationships, promoting understanding, and bridging divides within the community. This may involve acts of kindness, generosity, and inclusivity aimed at addressing historical wrongs and promoting social cohesion.

Efforts to reconcile Savannah's complex history, including its legacy of slavery, can contribute to a collective charm that reflects a commitment to understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. Charm, in this context, becomes a tool for healing wounds, fostering dialogue, and building bridges across cultural and racial divides.

AAAyuh, charm is a good thing. Charm can be developed and enriched. Riversend strives towards charming community. It takes a few dedicated moments everyday.

Or a pilgrimage to Savannah.