This week was difficult to sit and write.

First, the shootings that shook a community that was confident in their safety.

The senseless shooting that took innocent lives.

The senseless shooting that changed the reality of every family that lost a loved one

The senseless shooting that shook me to my core, in not knowing if my son was there that night.

The senseless shooting that tragically shattered the life of a mother that loved her broken son.

The next day…

The fire that ripped through the same community.

The fire that roared fiercely and shattered lives already broken.

The fire that ripped through coveted communities of beautiful landscapes and stunning homes.

The fire that did not discriminate in devouring properties.

The fire that displaced hundreds of families.

The fires that have placed our school community in harm’s way.

The fire that has taken lives that were trying to escape.

The fire that has now left our broken community shattered with pieces to pick up.

The fire that has left the air we are breathing toxic and unsafe.

YET!

What I know is that we are a strong community

What I know is that we are a caring community

What I know is that we are a thriving community

What I know is that we are a faith community

I have seen the goodness of hundreds of people.

I have seen the kindness of strangers.

I have seen the generosity of those around me.

As horrific as all the events have been this week,

I am confident that our community will come together.  

We will hold up the arms of those who are weak.

We will hold up the arms of the those who are mourning.

We will hold up the arms of those who are displaced.

We will hold up the arms of those who are homeless.

We will hold up their arms because we care.

This holiday season look around and find whose arms can you hold up

Lesson:

Simply look around and give thanks.

‘Til Tuesday.