Lessons from LeAnn
Yet, midst the horrific destruction, wonderful lessons evolved...
1) Live Your Priorities: "You have five minutes to pack whatever is important to you and get out fast! A fire is coming over the ridge!" People grabbed precious possessions and papers and fled. Two weeks later, some stood in the ashes of their homes and said, "We were lucky. We have each other, that's our main priority."
2) Keep Things in Perspective: When smoke was so thick over our house and I had to wear a mask to go outside, I dared not complain. People who lost pets, livestock, grazing land, and summer cabins reminded us that they were fortunate not to have lost their homes. A man kissed his wife's cheek. "I can replace the house, I can't replace her."
3) Be Grateful: No matter the devastation or loss, people repeatedly cited things they were grateful for. "We got out alive!" many tearfully proclaimed. Even the grieving family members of the one woman who lost her life said they were grateful she died in the place she loved, and they thanked family, friends and strangers for their compassionate support. Hundreds of banners and homemade signs decorated lawns, windows, and storefronts, thanking the courageous firefighters who tamed the dragon ahead of schedule.
4) Care for Yourself in Times of Stress: Evacuation centers compassionately cared for those displaced by the fire. Cots, food, and drink nurtured their exhausted bodies. Therapists and counselors nourished their worried minds. Ministers and caregivers fed their weary spirits.
5) Keep the Faith: Our community and, it seemed, our entire nation lifted our traumatized countryside and its people up in prayer and donated thousands of hours, dollars, and supplies. Weeping women and men stood in the ruins of their homes, thanking God for their lives, vowing, by His grace, to rebuild.
And rebuild we will. Already from the ashes, seeds of hope are emerging. And the life lessons we learned will strengthen us as we restore our land and its amazing people.
