NEW JERSEY, USA — Four years ago on Feb. 3, my family and I lost our entire home to a tragic fire accident here. It was in the middle of winter.
I remember exactly what I was wearing that day when I ran out of the house: an old gray hoodie, black sweatpants, and a pair of worn-out boots. I still have them to this day.
Though I have more clothes and shoes now than I need, I don’t think I can ever throw away my precious “home-fire outfit”. They are for me tangible reminders of God’s grace that overflowed during one of the darkest moments of my family’s life.
It’s deeply humbling to be called a ‘survivor’. My entire family, and over 100 residents and beloved pets in that apartment complex all made it out on time that day.
But not all make it.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department website, nearly 4,000 Americans die each year in house fires, and over 2,000 are severely injured.
While I rejoice being alive today, I also acknowledge my grief around the death of others. While I strive to live each day to the fullest, I am mindful that precious lives are cut short every single day because of accidents and other unexpected tragedies.
It’s amazing how our hearts can hold so much joy and grief at the same time.
Such is the unique beauty of our faith in Jesus, the One who suffered but triumphed in glory. His very life reflects the beautiful, mysterious, and often complex mix of tragedies and victories in the lives of God’s people.
He was buried in death, but later rose to life. He lost his own life, but made way for generations upon generations to live. He emptied himself, but became so abundant beyond measure.
And so, it is with us. We weep but rejoice. We lament but overcome. We get crushed but we bounce back. We lose but we receive so much.
I am grateful for this very special day of remembrance — the day when God showed me and my family that the good things and the bad things in life are truly inseparable; the day when I learned that whether we have everything or we have nothing, God reigns, and God rules.
So moving forward, may I remember:
I will not obsess over material things. They can all be lost in seconds.
I will be grateful for my triumphs, but I will also be gracious when I face my defeats.
I will always do my best to honor and serve my family. Every member of my family is God’s gift to me. They are my fellow survivors.
I will make space for grief in my life. It will teach me to be more grateful to God, and more gracious to others.
I will always hold dear every single person who comes my way to give me their presence, their prayers, and their provisions. They are extensions of God’s gracious hands. God will surely bless them far beyond their expectations.
I will continue to love Chewey, our dear pet. He is my fellow survivor in this life, too.
I won’t fuss over not having nice clothes. God knows that sometimes, an old hoodie, sweatpants, and worn-out boots are all I really need.
Matthew 5:4 – “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.”
We can make this Bible verse personal: “I am blessed when I feel I have lost what is most dear to me. Only then can I be embraced by the One most dear to me.”
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