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Where is Christ in Tragedy? Shining Light on the California Wildfires

There is a great deal of devastation in our world, and thinking about it can cause even the most devout Christian to begin to question why these things happen.

Widespread loss of homes, businesses and even life will leave ripples in the country for years to come. Floods have ravaged the south for years, with the recent Louisiana flood being one of the worst in history in terms of loss.

Yet, even in the midst of these calamities, people come together to help others. From donations of money and food to the offer of shelter for first responders who are battling the blazes, the best part of people shine when they help others. These stories of hope are truly where you can find the face of Christ through unspeakable tragedy.

Why, God?

Some Christians question where God is during these challenging times, and wonder why he seems to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the many. When you are left shocked and broken hearted, it can be difficult to understand that God is indeed kind and loving. However, that doesn’t mean that He will cause an end to all pain in the world — just as he didn’t end Christ’s pain on the cross.

As it says in Lamentations 3:47-48, “We have suffered terror and pitfalls, ruin and destruction. Streams of tears flow from my eyes because my people are destroyed,” proving that the Lord is not oblivious to our sufferings.

Still, it can leave you angry and afraid, wondering and questioning…but what of all the positive reactions that bring people closer together as the result of these situations?

Supporting First Responders

There are people risking their lives for others on a daily basis, and these firefighters and policemen and women battle heat, exhaustion, hunger and lack of sleep to help bring peace and sanity to an unthinkable situation.

From providing basic services such as a bottle of water on the front lines to offering a warm meal after a long day’s work — people throughout the California area show their support on a daily basis for these selfless individuals. This positive reinforcement helps keep firefighters fighting and allows them to keep going when otherwise their bodies may have given out.

Volunteer opportunities abound, as firefighters are losing their homes just as everyone else is. Donations are pouring in to help feed both relief workers and residents throughout the state.

Providing Hope

If you are one of the 75,000 people who have been evacuated as a result of the California wildfires, hope may seem far away. You may be wondering whether you will come home to a dusty, smoky mess — or even if you’ll have a home to return to at all.

The American Red Cross and other volunteer agencies are actively working to coordinate aid workers, each of whom look like angels to the people who are in need and have nowhere to go. People are opening their homes and their hearts to others, truly showing through their works the best parts of Christianity as they humbly help others with no expectation of compensation.

The elderly are particularly hard hit during this crisis, as many are unable to care for themselves and nursing home and medical staff in locations that are not evacuated have been overwhelmed by an influx of patients.

Helping Those Who Are Weak

Families are not the only ones displaced by natural disasters — animals and particularly household pets are hit hard when tragedy strikes.

While families generally try to take their pets with them when they’re evacuated, it’s possible that their instincts take over and domesticated cats or dogs find themselves out in the wild with nowhere to go. Hundreds of people are helping support these homeless animals, providing food and medical attention to large and small animals alike. Others donate to local humane societies or volunteer their time and goods to help maintain the health of animals in their care.

While some may wonder where Christ is in tragedy, you don’t have to look far to see His face in the face of every health care worker, volunteer and helper working to support others during times of stress and trauma in the world.

Buildings and homes can be rebuilt, but the human relations and positivity that have grown as a result of the California wildfires and other natural disasters allow the best part of humans to shine brightly in the world.

~ 1776 Christian


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