Wildfires

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

Matthew 5:1-6




Horrifying. Devastating. Tragic. The wildfires across Texas and surrounding us leave my heart aching. Aching for the people who are hurting in so many ways. I have seen so much destruction on the news over the past few years, but nothing has hit closer to home. Maybe its because Bastrop is a place we frequently visit, maybe it is the smell of burning wood in the air, or maybe it is the eerie haze in the sky that hurts my eyes....but whatever the case these wildfires leave my family watching wide eyed as the fire continues to eat up the land without any resolve...

So yesterday my husband explained he couldn't sit and watch. He had to do something. But what to you do when you are not a first responder, fire fighter, or red cross volunteer? My husband began making phone calls hoping there was a church or organization he could jump in and help serve. He finally connected with one church that welcomed his company, so we gathered what little we had to donate and he drove off to Bastrop with a friend from church while I watched the kiddos at home.

Not knowing exactly what they were going to do when the got there, my husband and his friend dropped off the donations at the church contact and drove to the Catholic Church where hundreds of families were seeking shelter from the fire. Hoping they would let them in, the church received them with welcome arms. They gathered some gospel tracks and began talking to the people inside hearing story after story of homes and job sites burned. Some with and without insurance. Some not knowing if they would still have a job. Some losing everything they own. Some not knowing if they have a home to go back to. They were so hungry for encouragement and prayers. They welcomed any smile, any hug and anyone they could talk to. One lady from the church cried when they left just because their presence alone was an encouragement.

My husband didn't do anything special. He didn't organize a big crowd, donations or fire relief. He simply showed up, encouraged and shared Jesus.

I know there are so many ways we can show our support for the victims of this fire, and I know I become quickly discouraged because I feel so helpless. But if nothing else, our compassion speaks volumes. Whether in person or through prayers, these people need our love, need our encouragement and need to know someone cares. We would be amazed what a difference it would make.