Saturday, March 19, 2011

A House Fire, A Home Lost

We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. ~Romans 5:3-5

As I post this and stare at these pictures, I am so full of every emotion conceivable.  My sister's house burned down two days ago.  She lives just a few miles from me. 
  I praise the Lord that she and my precious niece and nephew were not hurt.  She lost everything in her house, but the clothes she was wearing.
It is photos like the ones above that are upsetting her the most...a life of memories, of infants coming home from the hospital, a first smile, a vacation, a tiny foot print tucked so neatly in an album...all gone so quickly...these photos and records of precious memories.  She loved photography and had albums and albums of her sweet children...photos of our mom, who had long since passed away...all gone.
I stood in her house and looked around at everything charred and remembered where the Christmas tree had stood just a few months before.  I could remember the children when they were little and all their toys scattered.  This was their home...where they had lived since they were born.  Seeing their faces covered in tears as they looked at a house that they once called, 'home'...

Oh, how I love to come to this place of fun, a place of creativity, and often a place of therapy...my little blog.  I have become friends with many of you and ask for your prayers.  Prayers of grace, as I don't think we offer enough to each other in this fallen world, prayers of peace...and mostly that my sister would see this tragic event as an opportunity to glorify the Lord.  This will be a lengthy process for her and her children.

Blessings to all of you... 



75 comments:

  1. Craftberry BushMarch 19, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry to hear about your
    Sister's house . Thank God everyone is ok!
    Sending blessings and praying for comfort and strength
    Xo
    Lucy

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  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMarch 19, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    Christie, what a horrible thing to have happen. That is such a fear of mine is having everything just gone so quickly. Thank the Lord they weren't hurt.

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  3. COTTAG3March 19, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear what an awful experience your sister and your family are going through. Thankfully they are all safe and unharmed physically. I know precious photos can be heartbreaking to lose but I once heard where someone lost all of their photos and all their friends and family with whom photos had been shared over the years made copies of all they had and sent them to the person who lost them. Eventually, they had most of their photos back. Hopefully she can recapture some of hers from those whom she previously shared photos with.

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  4. Lisa @ Fern Creek CottageMarch 19, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    I am so horrified and sorry that this has happened to your sister. Thank God they are all safe. I will be keeping your sister and her family in my prayers during this very difficult time.

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  5. SommerMarch 19, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I'm so sorry for your sister and her family. This is a great reminder to makes copies of all your photo's and keep them in an offsite location. Prayers for you all. Thankfully everyone is okay.

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  6. SheilaG @ Plum DoodlesMarch 19, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    oh, how sad. :( I'm so sorry, praying for comfort and peace and restoration. God is good in all things.

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  7. Sandi (Meme)March 19, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Prayers to you and your family. It sounds like you will be very supportive to your sister and her children, and that is one thing that she needs more than anything else. You make us all think about how "material" we are, and how important time is. Sandi

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  8. LynnMarch 19, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Your post took my breath away. I'm so sorry, such a terrifying experience. Sending a wish for strength and peace.

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  9. Courtney ~ French Country CottageMarch 19, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    I am so sorry to hear this. Thank God they were not hurt and all made it out safely. Saying a little prayer for you family.

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  10. LindaMarch 19, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    I am so sorry to hear of your sister's losses.

    I am glad they were not hurt and I will keep you all in my prayers.

    Linda

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  11. ChRiSMarch 19, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    sorry bout your sister's loss but so glad no lives were lost.....my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.

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  12. Pine Tree HomeMarch 19, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Keeping them in my prayers. I can't even imaging how hard this must be. However, how great that they were not hurt.

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  13. Deborah RaymondMarch 19, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    Simply heartbreaking.

    Sending love for you and your family <3

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  14. Randi~Dukes and DuchessesMarch 19, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    There are no words. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine a loss of that magnitude. I'm so glad they were all okay and I will pray for them as they rebuild their lives.

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  15. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEMarch 19, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    I am so very sorry to hear this. Blessings that they are healthy and not hurt, but I KNOW their hearts are broken. My aunt and uncle lost their home years ago, and I remember it vividly. Try to save what you can of the pictures. They are doing wonderful reconstructing of them now. Please tell your sister that I am so very sorry.

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  16. AllisonMarch 19, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    I am so sorry to hear this, Christie. Thank God that they were not hurt. I am sending prayers to your sister and her family and you and your family as well.

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  17. Mid-Atlantic MarthaMarch 19, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    I'm so sorry -- praying for comfort and healing from such a terrible loss -- Thank God no lives were lost in such a horrible experience. I know she'll be leaning on your love and support. Take care.

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  18. AnonymousMarch 19, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    oh my goodness! how terrible! i will definately say a pray for your sister and family! i am so glad she has a sweet sister to help her through!

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  19. Carol BennettMarch 19, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Christie, I'm so sorry for your sister's loss! What an awful experience!!I'm so glad they are safe and unharmed physically. It will take a long,long time to get over this tragedy.On a happier note, Janie and JE came to our tag sale on Thursday and bought some stuff for the boy's room! I can't believe she expecting another boy!! Boys, boys everywhere!! I do believe Davis is cuter than ever!lol
    Carol

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  20. Linda @ A La CarteMarch 19, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Losing your home has to be one of the hardest things to go through. Its a death in a way...of your home and your possessions. While they are just 'things' as people will say they were her things and held many memories. I rejoice that they are all OK and offer prayers of peace and strength to move forward. Hugs, Linda

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  21. AnonymousMarch 19, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    So sorry to hear about your sister's loss. Sending hugs and prayers your way.

    Abby

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  22. At The Picket FenceMarch 19, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Dear friend, I just got your email but had to come over here and tell you again how incredibly sorry I am about the loss of your sister's home...I truly don't have words...since you told me about it, it has been so on my heart and in my mind and I have been praying for them and for you as you guys support them during this unimaginable time. I know you are a blessing to her!
    Love, Vanessa

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  23. VickiMarch 19, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Christie, this is awful. I'm so sorry. What a terrifying ordeal for them. My heart breaks for them. They have lost not only their home and comfort but sweet memories too. I pray their immediate needs are met right now. I'm sure having you close by helps tremendously. Prayers and hugs.

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  24. tracy mooneyMarch 19, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Sorry to hear of your sister's loss. Our prayers are with them.

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  25. Gillian LayneMarch 19, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    I am so very, very sorry. Reach out for all the support that you and yours need in the days to come.

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  26. HollyMarch 19, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about this. Will keep them in my prayers. I am so glad everyone is okay.

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  27. Angie HoldenMarch 19, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Big hugs and thinking of you and your sister.

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  28. Chandra ChinnisMarch 19, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    I'm sorry for your sister and her family. I am thankful that they were not hurt. Although the materials are gone we can thank God that the memories will never be.
    www.chandrassouthernlife.blogspot.com

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  29. Rachel Noelle PallasMarch 19, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    That just breaks my heart~Thank God her and the kids are ok.Your family is in my prayers.Hugs,Rachel

    French Farmhouse 425

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  30. Kymberly Foster SeaboltMarch 19, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    There are no words beyond,

    Thank God they all survived

    They have my sympathies and prayers in their time of need

    I'm sure that while thinks seem dark now they WILL get through this with the support of loving people like you.

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  31. Yvonne @ StoneGableMarch 19, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Oh Christie, My heart aches for your sister, your family and for you!
    What a beautiful post in all your grief, so sensitive in your time of great loss. How you remembered scripture and how you consider prayer as it rightfully is, so powerful!

    I will pray for you. And put you on my prayer list at bible study.
    God bless you, dear one!
    Yvonne

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  32. JayLeighMarch 19, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    Oh, how heartbreaking! What a huge loss. :*-( I praise God they are okay! I will pray for them, and for you, too. (((hugs))) ♥

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  33. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorMarch 19, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    Christie, my heart goes out to your sister, her children and your family as well. I will be praying as well.

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  34. JocelynMarch 19, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    I am so sorry to hear of your sisters loss. What a hard place to be. Praying the Lord will bring peace and hope to your sister.

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  35. AmesMarch 19, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    How very sad this has happened, and I am so relieved to hear your sister and her children are ok. She is blessed to have you for a sister.~Ames

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  36. UnknownMarch 19, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    I am so sorry for your heavy heart, and your Sister's loss! I am sure,It is a fear that we all share. Seeing the photos makes me want to weep. Photographs and mementos, are something I hold very dear. I am so glad everyone is safe. You all will be in my prayers. Blessings <3 Paula

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  37. Bella @ Bella before and afterMarch 19, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    So sorry Christie, I can't even begin to imagine.
    Please send our love to her family!!

    Hugs,

    Bella

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  38. JoMarch 20, 2011 at 4:43 AM

    I am so deeply sorry for your sister and her children. What an emotional time they must be experiencing losing their home and memories. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

    Jo

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  39. La Table De NanaMarch 20, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    I have thought of fires as my family grew up..and the most precious things lost to me would be the photos and old things..

    I have always found fires to be as they are so sad ..
    By the grace of God they are all well..That IS the most important thing of all.. and that you are there to comfort them.
    My thoughts are with your sister and her family.
    Your photos say it all.
    God Bless her and hers.

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  40. Robin@DecoratingTennisGirlMarch 20, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    I am so sorry for you sister's loss. A great blessing that no one was hurt, but this is such a tragedy for them. Prayers are with them.

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  41. The Decorative DreamerMarch 20, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    So sorry to hear of your sisters loss. My heart goes out to her and her family. I will keep them in my prayers as well!

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  42. ShannMarch 20, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Oh my goodness....I am so sorry to hear of your sisters loss of her home and possessions. I can imagine how thankful you are that she and her children are safe. How hard to lose things that can not be replaced. Sofas can be replaced....pictures of your mama can not be. :(
    I keep a notebook by my computer and write down prayer requests for others. Your sister and family are going in my little book. I will lift them to Jesus.

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  43. Amy @ 11MagnolialaneMarch 20, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    My thoughts have been on you all since I read this! I was so touched by the words that were written last winter when another Blogger (Edie from Life in Grace) also experienced this tragedy. The words someone shared then, "God gives us Promises, not Explanations" have seemed so REAL and TRUE to me. Now I hear of another home lost, and so thankfully nobody hurt, and my heart goes out to you all.
    Amy

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  44. Sandi~A Cottage MuseMarch 20, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    I just can't imagine what you all are feeling right now...so sorry! I am glad that you are close by to help her through.

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  45. AngelaMarch 20, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    I'm so sad for your family but also rejoice along with you that everyone is OK and God will provide at this time of loss. I'm amazed by your faith and positive outlook during this time. Prayers for all - God Bless

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  46. CricketMarch 20, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    My heart breaks for you and your sister. So glad everyone is physically well, but I know the emotional trauma is horrible. Reach out to u,s your blogger friends and let us help in any way we can.

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  47. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMarch 20, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Christie, What a terrible tragedy! My heart goes out to your sister and her family. A friend of mine lost her home in a fire several years ago and the thing she was most upset about losing was her pictures. All of her friends and family collected all the pictures they had saved of her family and we made a new album for her.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  48. Denise CMarch 21, 2011 at 3:30 AM

    A very similar thing happened to Kathy, a booth friend. There is nothing that can take away the pain of losing all those treasures, but Kathy's story may bring a little inspiration at a time when things seem so overwhelming. I also do the blog for our antiques shop and I posted about Kathy's story here - http://rockinbantiques.blogspot.com/2010/11/something-you-may-not-know-about-kathy.html.

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  49. Seven SistersMarch 21, 2011 at 5:17 AM

    For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer.29:11
    much love & prayers...♥sevensisters

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  50. MichelleMarch 21, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    Hi Christie - I live here in your town and I am so sorry that your sister has suffered such a loss. At the same time I thank God that they are OK. I can't imagine how traumatic it is for a child to suffer through losing their home. Please if there is anything I can do to help. Let me know. My email is miramsey1@gmail.com.

    Michelle

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  51. Jennifer @ Her Southern CharmMarch 21, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    I am truly so sorry to hear about this. Sometimes it's so hard to see what God wants for your life after a tragedy such as this. :( I can't even imagine what it must feel like. During my morning prayer time, I read my devotion scripture passage and immediately thought of your sister.

    "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 1 6-7

    I hope she finds comfort from friends and family during this time. I will be praying for her and her children.

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  52. randi1956March 21, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Christie, I feel your pain. My son and daughter-in-law lost their gorgeous log home on January 14th. Thankfully both were out at the time, my d.i.l and newborn granddaughter were at their six week check-up and my son was having some equipment installed on his new to him truck. They lost everything, family heirlooms, new baby gifts, pictures and all my d.i.l's artwork, she's an awesome artist! It is a very heartbreaking time.
    It is helping that her dad is a contractor and knows many other contractors who have dealt with fire loss and rebuilding.
    It will be a difficult process for your sister and her children, inventory of the contents of her home is the hardest thing to do.
    I hope she gets all the best help in the next few months navigating the insurance, fire inspection, and getting a new place to live while she tries to collect herself and her children.
    Bless you and good thoghts pooring your way.

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  53. UnknownMarch 21, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    You and your dear family will be in our prayers...so very sorry for their loss.

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  54. AnonymousMarch 21, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    My mother a house fire years ago, completely remodeled her house for the better..she was blessed...I hope this helps mend the hurts and lost treasures..she too lost pictures, but made more. collected what others had and began again...Mel's Cabin

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  55. Noble VintageMarch 22, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    oh my goodness!!!! I am so sorry Christie! This is so upsetting. I will pray for your family.

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  56. BrendaMarch 22, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    Truly sorry to read this post and see the photos. What an unimaginable thing to have happen to a treasured family home and the loss of so many special mementos. Thankfully, everyone is safe, belongings can be replaced. Best wishes as you and your sister's family begin the recovery process. Blessings. :)

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  57. GailMarch 23, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    So sad.
    I pray that they will feel God's presence as they work through this loss.

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  58. BarbaraMarch 24, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    My good friend had a house fire several years ago. Like your sister, she was able to salvage some photographs. She'd give them up though just to have her children and grandchildren back. There were five lives lost. Her 22 year old daughter, her 20 year old son, his girlfriend and her 15 mo old and 2 and a half year old. It took me a long time to get the smell of the burned house out of my nostrils and mind. I smelled her burned flesh when I saw her in the ER, and had to tell her that her children didn't make it. I think God's Grace has touched your family. You are all going to be creating more wonderful memories together. Amen to that.

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  59. BarbaraMarch 24, 2011 at 1:39 AM

    I know my previous post was very straight forward and I didn't mean for it to be. Maybe the photograph just haunted me. I just know that her memories had come to a halt on that day. Your sister will continue to build memories. One day the fire will be just a memory, that ended that day. But life continues.. It really isn't about possessions. It's about life.

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  60. CurtisMarch 24, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    I am so saddened to hear of your sister's loss. Thankfully everyone got out safe. All other things can be replaced. My wife and I will pray for your entire family, especially your sister and her family..... I have had this loss when I was a child, please give the children extra time and love at a time when their world has been destroyed.
    Blessings to you and yours
    Curtis & Sherrie

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  61. DiMarch 24, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    What a blessing that your sister and the kids were not hurt.
    Emotional scars run deep as well, so I pray that they and you feel the hand of God touch them as they work through what is sure to be a sort of grieving process for their lost possessions. Thank God we store our real treasures in Heaven, right?

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  62. SueMarch 24, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    I am so very sorry about your sister's loss. It is a very real fear to all of us in this day and age. How fortunate you are to have your faith ~ it will support you all as you go through the grieving and rebuilding process with her family.
    The peace of God be with you all.
    Sue

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  63. Emelia DiCarloMarch 25, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    I am so sorry about your losses, but thankful for your family escaping. I am a third generation Charleston native living in the northeast. My family is still there I know you will help your relatives and God Bless you all and your in my prayers. I am a follower but don't blog and hope all is better soon, Emelia.

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  64. LexiMarch 26, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    praying for your sister and her family. God will get them through this tough loss.

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  65. SueMarch 26, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    I'm so sorry. Hugs to all of you.

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  66. SarahMarch 30, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    My heart aches for your sister and her loss. I think fire is my worst fear. Keeping each of you in my prayers. ~ Sarah

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  67. UnknownApril 1, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    I just found your blog, don't know you at all, but my heart aches for your loved ones.
    God is not absent and His mercy is overflowing.

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  68. Terry @ La Bella VieApril 2, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    OH CHRISTIE,
    AS I WRITE THIS I AM IN TEARS OVER SUCH A TRAGIC LOSS FOR YOU, FOR YOUR SISTER AND FOR HER FAMILY. FOR ALL OF US THAT HOLD OUR HOMES IN OUR HEART THIS IS THE WORST IMAGINABLE DISASTER THAT COULD HAPPEN. MY PRAYERS FOR ALL OF YOU WILL BE EACH AND EVERY DAY AS YOU GO THROUGH THE HEALING AND REBUILDING PROCESS. AND REMEMBER, EVEN A RAGING INFERNO MAY DESTROY PHOTOS BUT CAN NEVER DESTROY THE MEMORIES.
    WHENEVER I HAVE BEEN IN DOUBT IN LIFE ABOUT WHY THINGS HAPPEN THE WAY IN WHICH THEY DO, I OPEN AND RE-READ JEREMIAH 29.11. IT HAS SUSTAINED ME THROUGH MY DARKEST HOUR AND MY PRAYER IS THAT WILL BE THE CASE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
    GOD BLESS YOU,
    TERRY

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  69. UnknownApril 3, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    On March 31, four years ago we lost our home too. I was at school and my husband was choring. My son was living with us but had started a new job so all were out of the house except for our cat, Scooter. It is still unreal to me and I still look for something that I once had. The most important was my daughter's wedding dress. She had just wore it a few months before. I feel for your sis. I'm so glad that no one was hurt. Things can be replaced. She has her memories that can be always ready to be recalled. Just give her bunches of hugs but don't say what can I do? Really there isn't anything just be there for her.

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  70. AshleyApril 5, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    I am so sorry for your sister. So glad no one was hurt. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

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  71. Beverly@southernhomesweethomeApril 5, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    I am so very sorry for your sister's loss.. what a terrible thing.. My prayers will be with you

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  72. Ms. BrightApril 6, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    This is truly heartbreaking. It's one of my greatest fears. I am constantly working on not placing SO much value on things {even though I keep stuffing our firesafe full}.
    Prayers for your sister and her family. Thank the Lord no one was injured.

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  73. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    This will yank on your heart string,I can relate some, our home burned years ago when we were children, my family lost everything.
    Prayers for your sister and family.
    ~Jo
    Lazy on Loblolly

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  74. Ms. Bake-itApril 6, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    I am so sorry to hear what a traumatic experience your sister and your family are going through. I had been away from blogging for a while and missed reading about it when you posted it. I am happy to hear that no one was injured.

    I will keep your sister and her children in my prayers.

    Hugs,
    Tracy

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  75. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageApril 15, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Oh how my heart aches for all of you - especially your sister! Praise be to God that they were kept safe by His loving care.

    I've been through a house fire before and remember how scary it was. I remember how our lives were turned upside down for a time. But, unlike your sister, we didn't lose everything, so I can only imagine how devastated she is.

    Perhaps you could start contacting those who have recieved pictures of her children over the years and begin putting together some new albums. I'm sure that would be a great encouragement to her.

    I will pray for "peace that passes all understanding"!

    Hugs,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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