By: Gabriela Yareliz
Very little else has our attention— all eyes on the LA fires. (Unless you are the president, Gavin Newsom and Mayor Bass).
I was safe, warm and in my bed, going in and out of consciousness. Every time I was conscious, my mind was racing with prayers. I was filled with gratitude because life can be arbitrary (those who have faced great loss know— take nothing for granted) and I reflected on how people who just lost everything felt in that moment. Praying for my brother’s safety and the people of churches, first responders and aid who stayed behind instead of evacuating to serve and help. All my admiration goes to those who decide to stay to help those who are vulnerable. Those men and women who run in and carry elderly people out of their homes— those images will stay with us as a marker of this time.
Here is a collection of resources posted to the Modern Witnesses IG yesterday. In case someone here knows of someone who needs it and isn’t connected to us there. The fires continue to rage. This isn’t over.
First, this. There are many red flag zones. The conditions continue to evolve. Download the Watch Duty app, and make your assessment and decision. Don’t wait for someone with “authority” to tell you to leave. There are no adults in this room other than firefighters and you. Make your own decision. Move before it’s too late.
Smoke exposure will still be a thing even after the fires get contained (which hasn’t happened yet).
If you need shelter, don’t miss the resources out there. Keep your phone charged.
If you are alone or vulnerable. If you need help, churches are on the ground and not leaving the area. Mosaic is one of those churches that is in Hollywood, Pasadena and active.
Then, there is the politics of it all. There is no question the president, state governor and mayor of the city have abdicated their duty.
Houseinhabit shared a Joan Didion passage on the LA fires. I love a Didion moment.
“The Winds Show Us How Close to the Edge We Are.”
The mood is hot right now. It’s currently fluctuating between this:
And prayer.
Let’s go with prayer right now.
Words and prayer from Ian Simkins:
“For those fleeing, give them safety.
For those fighting, give them strength.
For those grieving, give them comfort.
May we not just watch and weep, but act with courage and compassion.
So we ask boldly:
Calm the winds, protect the vulnerable, and restore what’s been lost.
For every person looking at the flames with fear, whisper hope.
For every family waiting in the unknown, surround them with Your presence.
You are Emmanuel-God with us.
Be near to Los Angeles now.
Amen.”
***
May LA and all in the devastation feel God’s presence near.
Our hearts are heavy seeing the devastation around our country. From Maui to Florida to North Carolina and East Tennessee to New Orleans, Las Vegas— now California. We don’t know where to look. That doesn’t even count the violence and lawlessness we experience in each day in our respective towns and cities.
I have seen multiple verses in past weeks, as I reflect on the scriptures, that say the same thing— do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid. It keeps coming up in every way shape and form.
Holding onto this. Sharing in case you need it, too.
God is near.
GABRIELA YARELIZ 