Within the past few years, we’ve witnessed unprecedented events that have significantly impacted society. We, as a nation, forged ahead through a pandemic, a sharp rise in inflation, climate disruptions, and a constant drumbeat of a looming war involving NATO in Eastern Europe or Taiwan. Most recently, fires have ravaged Southern California, and the destruction left in their wake has been profound. Lives were lost, and homes and businesses were shut down. Experts say a rebuild will take years. If we put this in economic perspective, “As fires continue to rage across Southern California and the scope of catastrophic damage, loss of life, business disruptions and other economic impacts becomes clearer, AccuWeather has updated and increased its preliminary estimate of the total damage and economic loss to between $250 billion and $275 billion.” That is staggering! Another analysis done by Exiger states, “In addition to that tragic loss of life and inestimable financial losses from destroyed buildings, the fires are putting manufacturing supply chains at significant risk due to California’s role as a vital nexus for transportation, technology, and industrial machinery. The firm warns that businesses should anticipate delays, shortages, and increased operational costs. Those will come because power outages, evacuations, and closures of key transportation routes have disrupted production and distribution networks in the Southern California region and beyond.”

While the economic impact is tremendous, the impact on the citizens who live there is insurmountable. According to a USA Today article, someone stated, "But it is not just the homes, cars and possessions. It is the community we lost. The human connection to people who care for you when you’re sick, who give you a hug when you’re feeling down, or tell a bad joke just to see a smile on your face. 

I imagine many people throughout the Los Angeles area are feeling this same thing. I am not sure at this time that any of us have been able to process the loss. But I do know what I have gained. I have gained perspective on humanity and what matters – each other."

So, where do we go from here? The only answer that comes from this unspeakable tragedy at this time must be that we must strive on. We must shed the objectional view that the sword of Damocles is drawn to narrate our future, journeying towards a hopeless mountain too large to cross. Instead, we must draw from the well of compassion and help others. At Allen Lund, every year, we’ve made it a priority that everyone should complete an Act of Kindness for their community. It was in Allen’s heart as he encouraged others to gain the fullness that comes with sacrifice and grace toward helping our fellow neighbors. Charity is a word so often forgotten in our vocabulary, but no less important. It can leave an imprint that echoes for an eternity in others. Building a better world for those that have need. Comforting those who are lost and have lost. Finally, the choice is in every person to help those in need, not just in words, but in deeds.