Brookhaven has known tragedy before, and it will know tragedy again. But this past week’s events have been especially troubling.

Two murders in a span of two days — one victim a loving mother of four. The killings have sparked anger, fear and worry. But they’ve also sparked love and unity.

At a community-wide prayer meeting Thursday, we saw the best of Brookhaven. Black, white, brown, rich, poor — all came together to mourn a great loss but also unite a city.

“This type of support for one another is so important during these times. Because it is out of the norm, it’s not what we expect in Brookhaven. It doesn’t reflect our values or our care for one another and our family; the image that we have. So it’s important that we come together and say again who we are. This is a community that wants to support one another, especially during difficult times,” Pastor Greg Warnock said before the event. His words couldn’t be more true.

Brookhaven is a city that takes care of its own. A city where neighbors look out for neighbors.  A place where people feel safe. Though it has taken a blow, Brookhaven will recover; it will be those things again.

“As uncomfortable and heartbreaking as these recent deaths have been, it’s bringing Brookhaven together,” Rev. Philip Sterling said. “And I think more than anything God applied a spiritual mood […] over Brookhaven tonight. And I don’t know where it’s going, but it’s the beginning of something great.”

Let’s endeavor to make Sterling’s words prophetic. Let’s mourn the victims and seek justice for their killers. But let’s also allow these events to be the beginning of something great.