Encouragement in the midst of heaviness

Quite a bit has happened since the wind and fire storms began in SoCal one month ago today. The following week, I felt led to write about lightheartedness, enjoyment, and playfulness in life. I am working on the latter one, trying to lead my life with childlike wonder. LOL!

Back to reality. Amidst the unthinkable losses from the unprecedented disaster from the fires, I’ve seen and heard heartbreaking stories, but also miracles and signs of hope within our former Altadena community.

My husband and I visited our old neighborhood a few times over the past few weeks. Many of the areas look like a graveyard or what you would envision in a war zone. For the homes that were destroyed, in most instances, the only thing standing, are chimneys resembling tombstones. In those areas, most everything is scorched, including powerlines, trees and vegetation. Well-established businesses, including the hardware store, grocery stores, post office, the pet store, etc., are among the rubble. In addition, the businesses that were untouched by the fire, now have smoke damage and are not able to open for business. 

While we were meandering through our old community, we were able to stop and talk with a few of our neighbors. Fortunately, most of the families are planning on rebuilding. We have a few other neighbors’ homes that were spared, although they also have a long road ahead, given the smoke and property damage. It was so good to see all of them and to let them know that “We are in this for the duration with them.” However, a lingering undercurrent of sorrow was present and difficult to shake.

Finally, the other day I had a lovely chat with a friend (or “A beacon of hope”) who also lost her Altadena home in the Eaton Canyon Fire. I was so blessed and encouraged by her journey over the past few weeks, as well as her hopeful demeanor given her somber situation.

She shared with me that the evening of the fire and throughout much of the night, she could vividly hear the popping sound of the embers. She decided to turn off her phone to be able to save the battery, as the electricity had gone off hours before. However, in the middle of the night an alarm in her bedroom went off. She then decided to open the back door of her house and all she saw were flames and burning embers being carried by the wind. 

At this point, which was about 6 AM the next day, her yard and driveway were on fire. Immediately, she grabbed a few things, including a few clothes, her laptop, purse, a small guitar and an iPad. As she threw her things in the car and drove away, she knew that her home would not survive.

 At one point during our conversation, I asked her why she didn’t evacuate sooner, and she replied that “We’re all used to the Santa Ana’s, as they are a natural occurrence.” 

When she thinks of losing her home and all of the contents in it, she said that “For the most part, it’s just stuff.” Although it makes her very sad losing all of her musical instruments, as she uses many of them to teach classes at church.

My friend shared with me that she has experienced a range of emotions from being deeply sad to a complete freedom. She said that the most overwhelming part of this is all of the paperwork involved with the house, insurance, etc. In spite of this, she said that her church has been amazing and that she has never felt more loved than this past month. 

I was humbled by her next few comments. She said “I am content with where I am. I went from a mundane life to the Kingdom of God and real things. I have been so joyful and love to worship God. I especially love the song, Firm Foundation (https://youtu.be/x9ndiD0_qNk).”

One last thing with regard to my friend’s experience. She told me that after she lost her house, her pastor prayed for her. He prayed for provision and comfort, but he also prayed that she would be in a unique position to support and pray for others that were in a similar place. After this prayer, she said that her perspective drastically changed. Rather than thinking of all of the things that she has to take care of, she said that it has given her more purpose and that she has more joy than ever before. Lastly, my friend shared that “I know that the Lord is going to use this in a mighty way, and He has already begun.”

Hope, Promise and Renewal