AFTER THE ASHES

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will
not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be scorched,
no will the flame burn you.
Isaiah: 43:2

Brian and I just got home from a short trip through the mountains to Cherokee, NC. While leaving the outskirts of Gatlinburg heading through the Smoky Mountains east to North Carolina one is confronted with some memories of some really bad days. Those memories are still very vivid of a fire that started in what we refer to as the Chimney's, taller mountains near the town where hikers love to trek. The trail is a challenge from what I hear, but seems to be a favorite of visitors to the area. The top of the mountain area has looked like chimney's to many, thus the name.

Thanksgiving, 2016 will never be lost in the minds of many who live in this area because of a small fire that started near the top of the Chimneys. Rangers detected what looked to be a controllable area of smoke, but although it looked manageable, no one expected winds to stir up to even 80 miles per hour in a short period of time. The wind gusts were picking up glowing embers, spreading them hither and yon. The fire spread rapidly. Right away our news channels were filled with startling information about the fire that was spreading to Gatlinburg and even in areas of Pigeon Forge. One commentator said, “It looks like Hell has literally broken out over our area.” The pictures on TV of the fire were almost more than one could watch.

It took time to get the fire under control. All professionals were called to the task. Many roads had fire blazing on both sides, making it hard if not impossible for people to escape. All toll, 14 died in the fire. One man lost his wife and two daughters. Another couple visiting in the area for the holiday also lost their lives. More people than can be counted lost everything and many seen right after things were under control, stood in tears by their destroyed homes still smoking.

Right away on signs through our local towns could be seen a new motto: “Mountain Strong.” It was on signs, bumper stickers and tee shirts. People came together to support and strengthen each other. Many from across the country who loved the Smoky's because of their visits to the area either came to help or sent funds to help.

So in our car rides to and from over the last couple of days, I couldn't help but pay attention to those burned areas that looked so devastated for such a long time. I still feel a sadness as I know many of the areas will never again be the same. The mountains have their own way of restoring themselves. Some trees will grow again. Others so severely damaged will remain giving the effect of toothpicks standing together at attention. Fire just damages terribly or out and out destroys. However, foliage has returned to many of the damaged areas and nature's green carpeting has been put down on many bare hillsides. Houses are being rebuilt, businesses destroyed are either rebuilt or stand empty. Churches destroyed didn't destroy the faith of their parishioners . They rebuilt usually in their same locations.

Most of us have gone through devastating times in our lives. They may have involved a literal fire, but for the most of us, some times have seemed almost that destructive. We may have wondered if our lives could ever be the same again. In such times, dreams are crushed, insecurity may set in and some may even loose faith. Even with some time, the trees may again grow leaves and grass on the lawns of our lives will again turn a beautiful green. There may still be a nearby tree in our thoughts with a bit of charring on the side of it, or even a once beautiful rock with smudges on it. Devastation leaves it's mark on our lives. The mountains have a wonderful way of healing themselves and they seem to be doing that, but they will never be quite the same again. We never return to the original after times of devastation, but beauty will still come even if different.

Our area has learned that through burning times in our lives, we can come through them stronger than we ever thought we could. I'm so grateful for those who rallied around our area to bring hope and help during all the cleanup time. I'm even more grateful how the motto of the day was “Mountain Strong.” You see, in any times of disturbance in my life, I'm so grateful that I have a Mountain in my God who strengthens and sustains me. He is “God Strong” in my life and pray I will never forget it no matter what comes into my life.

Dear Father, I'm so grateful for Your presence in my life no matter what is going on. I'm thankful You have promised to never leave or forsake me. In Your strength, I can go through anything you allow in my life. In the hard times, may I remember I am “God Strong” not because of me but because of You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen