A Father’s Heart Smolders as California Burns

The Palisades fire, as seen from the roof of my daughter Katie’s Santa Monica condominium, has made the news seem all too real.

Natural disasters affecting those we know always hit closer to home.

Destructive tornados, devastating ice storms, and ravaging flood waters are frequent visitors to the citizens of our great commonwealth. As Kentuckians, we fully understand the impact Mother Nature has on the lives of our friends and neighbors, and we’re always quick to spring into action with helping hands, a much-needed donation, or loving hugs and prayers.

So, what do we make of these crazy fires out in California—these hundreds of acres that are burning as we speak out on the West Coast, which sometimes feels so far removed from our daily lives here in the Bluegrass.

Those of you familiar with my blog know that I’ve got some bona fide ties to Southern California. My daughter Katie and son-in-law CJ live in Santa Monica, I’ve got property in LA County, and I’ve kind of made the Los Angeles area part of my second home.

I’m well familiar with all the iconic landmarks, hiking trails, and neighborhoods and businesses that you’ve seen engulfed in a flaming Armageddon on CNN the past couple of nights. Of course, I’m worried about my condo burning down and not being around to sweep up the ashes, but my real angst lies in Katie and worrying about her safety.

You see, although she’s in her thirties and has always been about as independent as you can get, Katie’s still my little girl—and Daddy’s worrying while LA burns.

The fires are getting way too close for comfort. You wouldn’t think buildings located in such a densely populated area could combust so easily. I mean, it’s a literal concrete jungle with high rises, sidewalks, and endless miles of pavement. And yet, throw in some 70 mile-per-hour Santa Ana winds and a few rogue embers, and everything quickly goes up in smoke.

I feel for my daughter. To be honest, it’s always been tough having her thousands of miles away. I’ve always kind of envied those whose kids have stayed close to home. It’s one thing to call, FaceTime, and text, but sometimes you just need to drive down the street and wrap your protective arms around them—especially when potential disaster is looming.

Given the circumstances, Katie’s holding up as well as anyone could. She’s staying vigilant as the evacuation line creeps agonizingly close. With CJ in Denmark on business, Katie is packed and ready to move. She can easily spot the fires from the roof of their place, and this morning she can finally smell the smoke. It’s not horrible, but she says the air quality definitely sucks more than usual.

“I kind of don’t want to be alone,” Katie texted me earlier. “CJ needs to get back and suffer with me. How the heck did he get out of this?”

Through it all, I’m trying to remain calm and reassuring. Katie stayed with her friends, Mallory and Matt, last night. They feasted on pizza. CJ’s mom is also just a short drive away. Kanisa’s brother is also within shouting distance. There are plenty of options and escape routes available. I know she’ll use good judgment.

“It’s really sad how everything is burning,” Katie lamented on another text. “Crazy. I feel bad for the firefighters. They’re probably spread so thin. Fires popping up everywhere in the city.”

It’s too easy to distance ourselves from these disasters whenever they hit. As of this writing, let’s not forget that five people have died and thousands have lost their homes. I know that God uses adversity to draw us ever closer to him. When you’ve got skin in the game, you can’t help but get sucked in. After all, there’s no greater skin than your own flesh and blood. I guess some degree of worry is a part of parenthood that never leaves you.

For my devotional time this morning, I recited and meditated over one of my favorite memorized verses from the book of Isaiah.

“When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.”

 – Isaiah 43:2

These words remind me that, no matter how distant or helpless I feel, God’s presence is unwavering. Just as He promises me comfort, I pray for His strength to guide all those firefighters, decision makers, and those affected by these devastating blazes. And please, Lord, take care of Katie and CJ.

Let’s all take a moment to reflect, pray, and, if possible, support relief efforts. The Red Cross or local fire recovery funds are always effective ways to donate. Together, we can help restore hope to all those affected in and around the City of Angels.

Dr. John Huang is a retired orthodontist, military veteran, and award-winning author. Currently serving as a columnist for Nolan Group Media, he invites readers to follow him on social media @KYHuangs. Explore his debut novel— “Name, Image, and Murder”—and all his books at https://www.Amazon.com/stores/Dr.-John-Huang/author/B092RKJBRD