Blog

When Life Goes Up in Smoke: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Tuesday, August 20, 2019 by Glen A. Hinshaw

A fire is destroying a building. Bright orange and yellow flames glow through holes in all that is left of the lower structure. A great tower of flame mingled with black smoke rises above and fills the entire picture frame. I was a wildlife officer in Creede, Colorado in the mid-1970s. One day my two-way radio crackled, “Respond to a fire at Blue Creek Lodge.”

I rounded the curve at Wagonwheel Gap and the canyon below was already filled with thick black smoke. Flames shot into the sky for hundreds of feet as the lodge burned to the ground. The volunteer firemen had to stand back because the beauty shop supplies, including aerosol cans, exploded like hot ammunition. Containers of cooking oil in the lodge kitchen fueled the hot fire.

Diaster strikes

Bill and Theresa and their children watched as their home, business, and all their belongings were gone in a matter of minutes. They literally survived with only the clothes on their backs. They had left their home in Kansas, bought an old lodge and lived in it for less than a year. Only a few people knew them. They came to a home Bible study group at our house.

How not to help

As we watched the flames, I stood by Bill and assured him that “All things work together for good.” 

With tears rolling down his cheeks he said, “I don’t see anything good in that!” And he pointed to the fire and smoke.

ttempt at encouraging him was like asking a person screaming in pain after a horrific accident, “Are ya hurt?” This was not the time to preach to someone thinking he was going to refocus his attention to what I wanted. We can’t “fix” people.

The better way

I learned more from a man who drove down from Creede and not even knowing Bill said, “When the ashes cool and your insurance is settled, I’ll come down with my loader and dump truck and haul all this to the landfill.”

Since there was no bank in town, the Kentucky Belle Market immediately set up a special fund for people to donate money for the family. Meeting someone where they are within their reality is the real beginning of compassion and ministry.

By summer’s end the Creede and South Fork communities gathered around for an old- fashioned barn raising, but in this case a lodge raising. Two experienced contractors using new blueprints led dozens of volunteers to begin building a whole new lodge. Bill watched in amazement as youth leaders from a local Young Life Camp, young men and women, old men, and everybody in between began the process of rebuilding.

The community restores

I was standing next to Bill when a man came up and asked, “Who are all these people?”

In amazement Bill answered, “I have no idea. I don’t know any of them. They just showed up.”

Women from Creede and Southfork set up a long table with the finest mountain cuisine of their favorite delicious recipes. It took several months to finish this beautiful structure. Most of the work was contributed by volunteers.

Years later I asked Bill, “What is the greatest blessing you’ve ever had?”

His answer: “The day our lodge burned to the ground.”

Worth Repeating:  “. . .all things work together for good. . . for the purpose of transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ” (Romans 8:28, 29).

Food for thought:  People often quote verse 28 and leave out the rest – that the purpose of God’s kind of “good” is to change us into the image of Jesus. We often pray for God to rescue us from our circumstances, while all the time He intends to grow and mature us in our faith to become more like Christ. How do I respond to trouble?  Am I trusting in what God is doing in my life and the lives of those around me?

Today’s prayer: “Dear Lord, teach me more about Jesus today so that I can learn to handle difficulties the way He handled the same kinds of troubles. Amen.”

© Glen A. Hinshaw 2018


If you liked this story, you can find more of Glen A. Hinshaw’s stories in his books (Caregiver: My Tempestuous Journey; Echoes from the Mountains; Crusaders for Wildlife; The Adventures of a Rancher) at this link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Glen+A.+Hinshaw&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

 

 

Share This Blog:


Previous Posts

Naming Grace: reflections from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/21/2023

Cancan: Mother's (& Father's) Day reflections from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings and Becky Cerling Powers
5/14/2023

Teaching a 10-Year-Old to Drive (and Related Lessons): from the Bible Powerline
Sue Cameron
4/24/2023

Losing Poetry: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2023

Figuring Out Fasting: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/26/2023

Anxiety List Prayer: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
1/8/2023

Dad's Problem Solution Method
Becky Cerling Powers with Bob Cerling
1/1/2023

Christmas Gift Exchange
Sue Cameron
12/13/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2022

Best Toys This Season are Simple: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/25/2022

Gimme a Little Kiss: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
11/5/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/1/2022

Surviving the Japanese Occupation: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2022

Are Parents Sculptors or Gardeners? Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/15/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/2/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2022

What the Animals Taught Adam: from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/30/2022

Figuring Out a Child's Learning Style: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/20/2022

Like the Wind: reflections on spiritual warfare
Laura Jane Eberhardt Cerling
8/12/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/1/2022

Enlighten the Eyes of my Heart: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/23/2022

Making Bible Milk: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/17/2022

The Interrogation of Divine Promise: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/10/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/2/2022

When Healing Hurts: reflections on spiritual warfare in pain
Becky Cerling Powers
6/15/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/1/2022

Truce for Sibling Wars: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/19/2022

Aunt Laura's Advice: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2022

Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/26/2022

Dead Squirrel Forgiveness: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/17/2022

Forgiving Grandmother Eberhardt: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2022

Rosebud's Interrogation: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2022

New Bride Confusion: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/4/2022

Toddlers Helping: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2022

Lament - Complaining as Worship: reflections on spiritual warfare in grief & anger
Becky Cerling Powers
3/16/2022

A Dream That Changed Me: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/9/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in March: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/1/2022

Preventing Parent Burnout: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/7/2022

Playing Games with Kids: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/6/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in February: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2022

Family Conflict, Family Struggles: reflections on spiritual warfare, beginning
Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in January: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2022

Neighborhood Yeast: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/27/2021

Children of the Heavenly Father: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2021

Christmas Contentment: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/11/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2021

Pied Piper Dad: memorial and parenting reflections from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2021

Golden Rule Respect: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/4/2021

Enjoying Money Without Spending it: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/14/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2021

Yes Means Yes, No Means No: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2021

The Tire 'Em Out Principle for Long Trips and Schoolwork: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/18/2021

Family Treasure Hunts: parenting insights from the parent powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/12/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2021

The Handy Dandy Adaptable Review Game, Cooperation Concentration: Parent Powerline insights
Becky Cerling Powers
8/2/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/30/2021

Camping with Kids: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/28/2021

Hymn for a Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
7/22/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/1/2021

In Sickness or in Health: a faith based Father's Day Story from the Story Powerline
David Melin as told to Becky Cerling Powers
6/16/2021

Why Smart Kids Can't All Read by Age 6: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2021

Being with Dad: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
6/9/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/31/2021

Home Style Secrets of Kids' Learning Success: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/24/2021

The Balances of Parenting: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/18/2021

Letting Daughters Grow: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2021

Reading Lots of Easy Books Produces Fluent Readers: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/22/2021

Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2021

Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2021

Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/1/2021

Trouble -- the doorway to God's Kingdom: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/25/2021

Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2021

Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2021

Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/15/2021

The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/12/2021

Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
3/10/2021

Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Joe Herman
3/5/2021

The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Anonymous
3/3/2021

Being a Better Parent...One Week at a Time...in March
Becky Cerling Powers
2/28/2021

Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
2/24/2021

Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/18/2021

Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/17/2021

No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Robert G Cerling
2/14/2021

Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/10/2021

Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Erik Powers
2/8/2021

Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/5/2021

Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2021

Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2021

God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/21/2021

Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/13/2021

Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/5/2021

Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
1/2/2021

Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/28/2020

Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2020

Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2020

Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
12/4/2020

Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2020

Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/12/2020

Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/9/2020

Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/30/2020

Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/28/2020

Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2020

The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/13/2020

Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/10/2020

Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2020

In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/28/2020

Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/10/2020

Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/21/2020

Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2020

Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020

Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020

Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
7/23/2020

TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/21/2020

Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
7/14/2020

The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
6/24/2020

Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
6/17/2020

No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2020

Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2020

Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/2/2020

Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/29/2020

Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
5/26/2020

Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/22/2020

Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
5/21/2020

Alzheimer Valley: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
5/13/2020

Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
4/28/2020

Let Kids Cure Their Own Boredom: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/15/2020

Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
4/14/2020

David, Bathsheba & Psalm 51: a faith based story story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
4/9/2020

The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/8/2020

The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2020

Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
4/2/2020

Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/31/2020

Fear in Residence: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/24/2020

Household Management During COVID-19 Time: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2020

Dreaming of Anita Jo: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/12/2020

No Complaint Dinners: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/10/2020

DIY Plumbing: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
3/5/2020

A Brother's Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/3/2020

My Two Dads, part three: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/27/2020

My Two Dads, part two: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/26/2020

My Two Dads, part one: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/25/2020

Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
2/20/2020

Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/13/2020

Cantaloupe Crop Disaster: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen Hinshaw
2/5/2020

Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
1/22/2020

How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
Becky Cerling Powers
1/13/2020

Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/9/2020

All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
1/7/2020

One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2020

Star of Wonder
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/26/2019

The Shepherds
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/24/2019

Mary and the Angel
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/18/2019

Zechariah
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/17/2019

Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2019

First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019

First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019

First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/27/2019

Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2019

Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
11/19/2019

Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2019

Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
11/1/2019

The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2019

Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2019

Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Karen M. Pickett Ward
10/16/2019

The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/8/2019

Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/2/2019

My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2019

Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
9/24/2019

How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
9/9/2019

When Life Goes Up in Smoke: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
8/20/2019