Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty
The fires in Southern California are still raging. So many people, rich and poor, have lost homes and all earthly possessions. It makes my heart ache for them as I remember the devastating fires that destroyed so much of Sonoma County in 2017. Million-dollar homes, on the Fountaingrove hills, as well as low-income housing structures, were wiped out within days. Our amazing emergency response teams were able to stop the westerly spread of devastation just a mile from my home. When we evacuated we turned and looked at the house. It could very well have been the last time we would see it.
Out of those fires came stories, many good and some sad. My pastor’s family of four lost their house. They were awakened in the middle of the night to evacuation orders as the fire raged toward them. They left with nothing in their hands because the fire was that close. Their neighborhood was leveled to black charcoal. Friends and family took them in. He and his family chose to use their time to help coordinate a clothing site, and so much more, for those who now had nothing.
My dentist, who had just retired, lost his beautiful home on Fountaingrove. He lost years of precious family items as well as the once-lovely property. I understand there was a medical issue going on at that time. Apparently, it was all too much for him. He committed suicide. Another man, prominent in society, with an impressive family history, had a similar loss. Depression followed and then illness. A not-so-slow decline ensued and then he was gone.
I’m not saying people thrive because they have God in their lives, but it surely helps. Tomorrow, I’m having surgery. The most important thing for me will be to wake up after the surgery. I am not afraid to die. I know I will go to Heaven. It is the idea that I will be under the control of (albeit excellent and capable) doctors. I am just moving in the direction I would choose not to go if given the choice. I have had many talks with God. Well, I have done most of the talking. I have many years of life planned. Not having the surgery would have caused me chronic physical problems and so I have chosen to move forward with surgery. The future is in God’s hands. That feeling is similar to the feeling I had when we drove away from impending devastation, placing our trust in the hands of fire control professionals (Bless them!).
If possessions seem more important to you than your next breath, seriously, take a look at yourself. Your things may be keeping you from living the life you would like to have. I’m not telling you to get rid of your stuff. I’m asking you to think about what is truly important. Is it possessions or is it you and your family/friend relationships.
God says you and others are more important. I agree with God.
Designate: “So Cal Fires”
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