Well, a week ago today, I woke up it was a bit smokey. I went to Nahunta for my haircut, came home to fire behind my house, firetruck, a call from a neighbor telling, pack what is important be ready….
This morning I woke up to smoke again, or was it fog? Nope smokey, and the smell confirmed it. So yes, the fire is not out, the danger still there. I’m used to waking to what I call horror movie mornings here, love the foggy mornings, but this… this smoke is frightening still. It has been a mentally exhausting week for this community, all of us. Nerves are frazzled, people are blaming, spreading conspiracy theories, and so very weary and tired. I can’t imagine the weight of all this on those who have fought tirelessly and with such faith, strength, and conviction to save us and our homes.

I need to go to town, almost afraid to go. Talked to so many people this week at work, some neighbors and people who live here I never met before. We are connected now by this tragedy, this surreal thing that has burned through our community. When I moved to MS. Right after Katrina hit, I realized the reality of what a disaster was, we watch things unfold on screens, from pictures, posts on social media and think its over, its sad, but they will build back, its over. It’s not over, it will always be there, in our memories, in our mind. The screens and posts, the look at what we see is devoid of emotion, real contact and the real weight of the chaos and turmoil. Fire is one of my fears, give me a good ole hurricane I know how to prepare for that. This fire, it eats, it seems alive and has no forgiveness, no redeeming qualities it just takes…

I am praying for rain, for mercy, and walking in God’s grace today.. but I am reminded of what the reality of the world is as I look outside and smell the remnants of its existence. God bless those who are still working to save us. They are the heroes, the blessing that keeps giving.