Wildfires in Florida: Humanity Shines

Nature has been so catastrophic this year, and we're still only in April. We haven't even started hurricane season, and so much destruction has occurred due to fire.

I can't tell if it's just the year or if I'm just paying more attention to the weather, but it's been heartbreaking to witness it all. Between the railroad fire, a local business, a fire along the coast, and now 20 miles away a massive 1.6k acre fire... It's all so much destruction. Not to mention that, yes, there've been other fires, but all the ones mentioned are the ones I've followed more closely. There's been so much loss.

Through it all, though, the way people have responded, being kind when someone says "should I be worried" or "how do I..." actually providing responses, offering their homes, giving encouragement, and just being the best of humanity, it's truly something special on its own to witness. In the face of tragedy, our humanity is so beautiful.

Every time I see these events, I pray for the well-being of all the families (including pets) being displaced, all the wild animals losing their homes, and all the heroes out there trying to tame what appears untameable. All I can do is pray, and it doesn't feel like enough... But then I'll see posts about others praying too, and I remember how powerful we are together. 

Life's been too chaotic to paint, but I hope that when I do, I can honor all of those brave souls trying to survive, and all of those first responders, volunteers, and heroes, providing support and hope when it feels like the world is pure chaos. The mental and physical strength it takes is something I am thankful to only have to imagine, and feel inspired by the resilience of others.

Kindness is so beautiful to witness, while faith keeps us moving forward knowing that regardless of how things turn out, He will turn the turmoil into chaos, even when we can't understand why.