May We Give Hope to the Hurting after the California Fires

My family and the surrounding neighborhoods were evacuated from the Waldo Canyon fire 13 years ago.

I watched the screen as the fires moved across California over the last week.

It was so surreal. Like watching a movie, one you never thought about or would want to play out in real life. It reminded me of the times our family and city went through so long ago . . . but the memory could be recalled in a split second like a distant song played in the grocery store.

I watched, sitting on a swing set, as the bright light burned through the night.

I watched as the friends we stayed with would be repaid the next year by staying with us after a new fire.

I watched the hand of God protect our home . . . and didn’t know why we were the ones spared.

I watched friends lose their houses to fire, and others lose them to smoke and long battles on insurance claims.

I watched those whose homes were evacuated have looters come in to destroy and steal belongings and vehicles.

I watched the news as an old couple passed on together during the fire.

I watched my mother put the pot roast for dinner in the back of the car as we quickly left the house.

I watched the tears of fear and loss over the city.

I watched strangers housing strangers.

I watched the church be what it was always designed to be.

I watched hearts turn to Jesus when nothing else could be held.

I watched smile lines appear and full bellies content.

I watched the community renew.

Neighbors became neighbors.

Families spent time together.

A peace beyond understanding was planted, then bloomed.

I watched as something horrible happened to a community, a time when there were no words to speak. Instead, I saw embraces and wiping of tears. I saw crews cleaning up and singing in the churches.

I watched the healing of hearts without muttering a single word.

So, my friend, may we watch for those who need us in this season.

May we be the hands that embrace.

May we be the vessel that carries hope. May we have ears to hear brokenness. May we have tenderness to understand the needed times of silence and watch God move and renew communities after brokenness.

He’s done it before. I’ve seen it.

He will do it again.

“But you shall cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day.” Joshua 23:8 (ESV)

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Articles by Rachel M Redlin

Rachel M Redlin

Rachel Marie Redlin is a Jesus lover, a wife to Brook, and a mother to five. She is an American author, speaker, newspaper journalist, and award-winning radio personality. Best known for her online public journal platform, it continued to grow with her love of devotionals in two published books, Blooming Grace and Blooming Wisdom. Although seasons have changed in the last two years, her now private lead ministry has not waivered in its continued focus on encouraging, embracing, and equipping women to go deeper and bloom in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, their families, and fellow believers. Rachel is passionate and determined to help provide an outlet and resource for deeper relationships with women and Christ in the modern Christian world.

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