Oh, where do I begin?
All of the fires in our area seem to affect everything and everyone. Even though my house is in no danger, my chest hurts from the constant breathing of smoky air, and my heart is hurts because I know people who will probably be losing their home.
People on the news have already begun to blame the federal government for lack of immediate help. They, I think, turn their fear and grief into anger at something or someone…many people need to direct their anger at another person. Nothing good will come from that.
We have federal air tankers waiting for the wind to die down so they can drop water and flame retardant on the flare-ups and on homes that are close.
But, you see, the news makes a person crazy. It really does. I had to turn it off last night because I couldn’t take it anymore. I wanted to know how our area is being affected, but then again, watching just made me more scared. All morning, I listened to the radio news in the car, and that made me crazy and fearful too. I am hearing angry residents of Silverado Canyon one minute who actually are saying they want to shoot the Fire Chief because they think he hasn’t done anything. Then, the next minute, here comes the Fire Chief so frustrated because he doesn’t have enough air resources to actually fight the fire (they are just trying to save everyone’s lives right now).
They say we are still in the first stages of this. You see, its making me crazy. And this is only one of about 16 or so fires in this part of the state. 750,000 people are under forced evacuation in San Diego County. Whole cities have been deserted and nothing is under control. Hundreds of homes, now, have been burnt. A few people have already died and there are dozens who have been injured. Just in our little fire in Orange County, almost 16,000 acres have burned.
Nothing is under control and the news is making me crazy. I have to stop watching and pray more. I know that Someone is in control and He isn’t crazy. In fact, he is All-Wise, and All-Powerful, and All-Mighty.
The winds, they say, will continue through the night. I know Someone who speaks to the winds, however, and they obey.
The news does cause panic and fear. I wish they could be less sensational and more objective. Glad your home is safe.
I pray you all will receive rain soon. I feel so sad for those who have lost their homes and for those who are fighting those fires. I am praying for you guys out there.
I can see that watching the news would be hard. I did hear the weather is supposed to change tomorrow and pray that it will. You are all in our prayers!
Wow, Sarah… I’ll be praying for you all. It’s weird for me to actually know someone (even if it’s just a cyber-knowledge!) who is being affected. California is a world away from us here. I’ll be listening a lot more closely now.
You’re a smart cookie to turn off the news. It’s their business to find and fuel the drama. It’s wise of you to refocus on the One who is not disturbed or confused, nor at a loss.
We had smoke all the way over here last year from another fire, and it did hurt to breathe it – and it wasn’t even that close. It settled for a couple of weeks, and it was hard to be outside for any length of time, even in the car. It was giving people headaches, too. I can’t imagine how it must be for y’all. Hang in there.
Praying for you and everyone in CA – so scary! It is hard to watch the news. I found the same situation when I was in MN and the bridge collapsed last summer, I wanted to know what was happening but at the same time I couldn’t listen anymore. You just want the honest, real story of what is happening.
I am praying for you right now. I can’t imagine what you are experiencing. I can’t imagine a fire that out of control. So scary. I think you would be wise to limit your news intake. They work to strike fear in our hearts.
Pray without ceasing. I hope you are safe.