Sobering news coverage from Victoria this evening just begins to reckon the damage caused by the blazing bush fires. Whole communities destroyed in a matter of minutes. Over 700 homes burnt to the ground. Seventy-six known deaths and many people unaccounted for. Cheryl posted this morning from near this hell zone. It's one of those times I sit transfixed by the television monitor almost numb trying to even begin to imagine how deeply people have been affected. The fire crews so professional and so methodical and clear in their instructions. Spared communities opening their doors to their neighbours. Prime Minister and Premier responding rapidly. Fire crews and trucks despatched interstate, forensic teams flying in to assist with identification, Australians responding to a national appeal. A mother sitting and playing with her children, providing a sense of normality and routine in the midst of devastation.
Singing 'The North wind is tossing the leaves" will never be the same after this day (should be a link on Oremus but I can't get it to work. A famous Australian Christmas song).
Here in NSW we have several fires as well, but so far no lives lost or serious injuries sustained. Further north Queensland communities are experiencing repeated flooding. A small boy out walking with his brother was apparently taken by a crocodile.
As our nation experiences the full force
of the uncontrolled brutality of nature
May we know in some small part
The full force of human compassion
and a measure of grace
The rebuild will be long and slow and arduous. It's a time I am glad to belong to a church that is known for being with people through such long hauls. That doesn't lighten the heart. But it does sustain the spirit even when hope seems ethereal and distant.
9 comments:
Prayers. This is frightening, esp. with the global warming phenomenon. You are helping us to see the love of God in helping others.
PS
I love your new picture. Was that you as a small child?
I'm so sorry to hear about the devastation. Saying a prayer for those affected.
Prayers from this part of the world too. The BBC is currently running the fires as its lead item - what is going on in Victoria is recognised globally.
Our prayers are with you, I can say no more, we watch the news with growing horror.
Thank you all. I could even be a royalist with the prompt and heartfelt message from Her Majesty. There is solidarity in the big world of ours.
It's front page in the US and Canada as well, and there is speculation of some of the fires being deliberately set. Mercies to all of you.
Don't want to be flippant in the face of tragedy, but please don't become a royalist ! Glad HMQ is showing human compassion, and she is prob is speaking for lots of us. However, one good woman doesn't justify an outdated institution !
Thanks Barb - I'll separate my admiration for the person from the institution! It's a shocking way for our land to be leading the international news. Especially with the spectre of arson behind some of these blazes. Yet it is also good to know that others are thinking of us.
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