The time we have here on Earth can be relatively short. Recently, I was at my daughter’s house helping her with my precious little granddaughter, and we talked about the saying, long are the days, but short are the years. This means that sometimes, when dealing with life's daily challenges, like caring for a newborn baby, the days and nights can seem long, but in the twinkling of an eye, time passes by, and they grow up so fast. The same can be true when we are experiencing a life tragedy that devastates our very being. While we are going through it, the moment seems forever, but we must hold onto hope that this too shall pass, and together, we will get through it to the other side. If God brings us to it, he will see us through it. We must hold on and never give up.
As we all know, Southern Californians have been under siege with the burning inferno that has swept across the Southland. It seems like as soon as we blink, the wildfires spread faster than we can catch our breath. I personally know close to fifteen families, in the Altadena area, that have been affected by the fires and most of them have lost everything, it is so hard to even imagine. We see images across the news, but until you witness them face to face, you have no idea what people are dealing with. I have friends and colleagues who have had a history for generations in the homes they were raised in that have now been reduced to rubble and ash in the twinkling of an eye. Many wonder if and how they will even rebuild and start over. For those of us who have been spared, we must not only be part of their solution by doing what we can, by donating, sharing resources, and keeping them lifted up in prayer, but we also need to make sure our families are prepared in case something should knock at our door.
Since the fires broke out here in the Southern California area, people have posted various lists that can help us to prepare in case of an emergency whether it is a fire, earthquake, or any other type of emergency evacuation. I know most of us feel like it would never happen to us, but let me tell you, whether rich or poor, black or white, eastside, westside, southside, or to the north, none of us are exempt. We have no excuse to put in place what is necessary now, just in case. Also, we owe it to not only our families but also to the families who lost everything to make sure we learn from what they had to endure. I would like to challenge you to start today. Make 2025 the year you get as much in order as possible. Here are a few things to think about. Just start and do as much as you can.
If you are not sure where to start, get a fireproof container or box and make sure you have the following items included: all legal documents such as your will, trust, birth, and death certificates, divorce papers, marriage license, passports, driver’s license, insurance documents, social security card, medical information, power of attorney, deeds to property and vehicles, tax returns, and make sure you take the time to take a video or photos of the contents in your home. At the least, make copies of these items and put them in the container you can grab and go. It is also important to ensure you have a personal bag packed in advance and ready to go with clothes, toiletries, flashlights, water, snacks, and cash broken down into small denominations. If you must evacuate, try to remember to grab your cell phone and computer, and do not forget the chargers that go with them. I know this seems like a lot to remember, but if you make a list and start before needed, you can go into automatic mode. Things can happen in the twinkling of an eye. Dig your well before you need the water. Losing property and precious memories is devastating, but if we have our lives and the help of friends and loved ones, God will get us through and guide us on how to start over. #FireVictims #Altadena #Rebuild #Hope #WeAreWithYou
Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
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