“and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Isaiah 61:3
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114
I have been watching the new about the fires in California and I cannot begin to imagine what these people are going through. To have to leave your house and everything in it taking just what you can and hoping it will be there when you return, only to see that everything is just GONE. Then maybe returning to find that only ashes are left or maybe finding a loved one’s remains in the ashes. Losing possessions is devastating but they can be replaced, they are just ‘things’. But a loved one cannot be replaced and the loss is forever. Losing Hope is devasting.
My heart goes out to all the people involved in these fires. Not only the people who live there but those who risked their lives to try to stop the fires, and those who searched for those who did not get out. I saw where people came together to help those in need without hesitation. That was the “beauty in the ashes” moment for me.
It was beautiful and yet sad too because I saw how we can all come together in a time of crisis and need and actually get along. The sad part is that we don’t do this every day in our daily lives. Why is it that we can get along with one another, work side by side, without complaining or fighting or discriminating against one another only when there is a crisis?
We should be able to come together as one every day not just in a crisis. Let these fires show us the way to unite with one another instead of fight or fear one another. Let’s help the people regain what they have lost and see the beauty in the ashes. Let’s not let these devastating fires instill a spirit of despair. Instead let these fires instill a spirit of unity, peace and Hope that cannot be extinguished!
Prayer:
God I pray for all those who involved in this tragedy, whether through loss or through helping those in its’ path. Keep them all safe and healthy providing for all their needs and blessing them abundantly. Bless all the people who have come from other countries and have fought alongside the others. Bless all those who have helped those who lost their homes and or loved ones. Help us to continue the unity, peace, and Hope this crisis has instilled in our spirits. In the name of your son Jesus, I pray your will be done. Amen
Bernice Barnes
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