“Through the Fire” San Francisco to Mariposa to Yosemite National Park

08 Oct “Through the Fire” San Francisco to Mariposa to Yosemite National Park

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning in July when I departed San Francisco heading to Mariposa, CA. The fires were ragging, thousands of acres were destroyed along with homes, businesses and lives. The flashing sign said the road was closed because of the fire. The town was closed the day before but I was assured by the Motel that they were now open for business. We were the only car on the road for miles and miles. The land was black, at times we could see the smoke rising from what were houses and barns and fields of animal just days before. It was such an eerie feeling. After several miles of the blackness to my left was a beautiful white church standing totally intact. After checking into the Motel I went to the grocery to get snacks for our trip to Yosemite the next day. As I walked into the grocery I could see smoke rising from the hills. The electric had been off for days so the freezers and refrigerators were empty. As I stood in line with my water, crackers and non- perishable goods I listened to the cashier and a gentleman discussing who they knew that had lost everything and even those who had lost their lives. I was on my dream vacation, standing in the middle of desolation for hundreds of folks in CA.

I immediately thought of how quickly life can change.

Yosemite National Park is an amazing place, from the rock formations to the water fall to the giant Sequoias.
I’m fascinated with the Sequoias, Did you know that they withstand the fires, the winds and earthquakes because of their root system? Their roots are only 12 to 14 feet deep and they grow to 350 Ft tall. How can that be? It’s because the roots of all the trees intertwine and wrap around each over. Isn’t this God showing us that we can make it through the storm if we are “Standing Alone Together”. When the winds blow I can and will stand because someone is standing next to me holding me up when I feel like falling.

Look at the contrast in these two pictures at Yosemite. With in minutes we can go from barren to lush green trees and water falls.

I can fall at the feet of my God, barren and broken and rise as the great Sequoia. All because my Father loves me beyond my comprehension.

We are strong because we are “Standing Alone Together”