When Everything Feels Lost

How do you possibly express what you think and feel watching the city you call home burn...

It's less than unfathomable. 1 week ago today, a fire broke out near my beloved city. Within days, over 32,000 people had been evacuated from the area, over 15,000 acres burned, record breaking temperatures of over 100 degrees daily scorched the city.

Now, with the fire a little over 17,000 acres and 25% contained, 346 homes destroyed, 2 confirmed dead, thousands still displaced, I sit here and ache with those I know who have lost everything physical. Things I take for granted every day. Clothing. A place to sleep. A shower.

Whoever you are and whenever you read this, I ask that you please remember to pray for those affected by the Waldo Canyon fire. As this week has progressed, I have watched one of my worst nightmares turn into a reality. I have watched places full of history become dust. I have watched everything from panic as people flee in under a minute to the extreme outpouring of generosity of those who live in the Springs. I have watched something that looks extremely apocalyptic engulf parts of the city.

As I watch something so horrific, I find small nuggets to be extremely grateful for. A home here and there spared, lives (in general) being spared, small amounts of rain, calming winds, slightly cooler temperatures. It all sounds so trivial. But I promise that in the midst of so much loss, you find the things you can to be grateful for. I know that in the midst of this, that God continues to be true and good and faithful. I don't understand the reasons for what's going on. I don't have to. But I do trust my Father. I trust him with those who have nothing left, with those who have lost loved ones. In the midst of heartache, loss, and grief, I am continually reminded not to listen to the panic that wants to rise up inside of me but to instead be still and know that He is God and He is faithful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBA7eHY022k

This link shows a time lapse from Saturday, 23 June (the day the fire started) through Thursday, 28 June for those that want to understand and see just a small glimpse of what the city has gone through. Major landmarks have been lost or threatened. The Flying W Ranch was one of the first areas in the Springs to burn to the ground. The United States Air Force Academy has been threatened by the fire and Garden of the Gods has been shut down since the fire began.

I write not so much for my own sake, though it has been a good place for me to start sorting through a myriad of emotions, but for the purpose to inform you, my reader. Please continue to pray for my city, for this state. By Tuesday of this last week, there were 6 major fires in Colorado alone, including the Waldo Canyon fire (Colorado Springs), the Flagstaff fire (extremely close to Boulder-mostly contained and no longer threatening homes), and the High Park fire (near Fort Collins-becoming more contained; largest of all of the Colorado fires). Pray for rain. But more than that please pray for God to have mercy and that our state would run to our Father in meekness and repentance.