Fire

For so many people the events in the state of Victoria, Australia over the last few days has forever altered the landscape of their lives. As I write this the latest report is of 166 people having lost their lives to the flames. My mind and heart are feeling overwhelmed as I try and comprehend the enormity of what has taken place...and I'm not even an Australian. For those who are personally affected by this disaster I wonder how they will find a way to carry on, to rebuild, to restore, to start over when so much has been lost. There is a collective tragedy here for the nation, but then there are the individual stories of loss, of escape, of luck, of misfortune, of moments of heroism and selflessness and I think it is in these stories that we see humanity at its most vulnerable and at its best. When facing moments like these or living through the aftermath people aren't mourning the loss of an ipod, or $300 shoes, or playstations....they mourn the loss of life, of loved ones, of items not for the items material value, but what it represents, or who it represents.
My eyes and my heart well up as I read and watch these stories, and it fills me with hope. A hope that shows me that humanity is not beyond redemption. People have the capacity to love and to give of themselves to others and to both feel pain and comfort those who mourn.
So many people are feeling a great sense of helplessness as they watch what is happening and have a compulsion to want to help somehow. The Salvation Army in Australia (along with the red cross and others) are out there on the ground working in support of victims and volunteers. They are asking those who want to help to donate cash at this stage. It gives them the ability to buy the essential items like food and clothes etc that are needed right now.
This is one of the worst bushfires world wide on record...... but I think for Australia it is becoming a moment of solidarity and compassion and as a nation they are banding together to care and serve each other.
Pray for rain, for relief and for restoration