Yesterday, 19 firefighters were killed fighting a forest fire in Yarnell, Arizona. In their honor, a prayer, and some words from Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean, the author of A River Runs Through It. Please add your own thoughts and prayers in the comments section below.
From Holy Women, Holy Men
Compassionate God… Draw near to us in this time of sorrow and anguish, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
From Young Men and Fire:
“It is very important to a lot of people to make unmistakably clear to themselves and to the universe that they love the universe but are not intimidated by it and will not be shaken by it, no matter what it has in store. Moreover, they demand something from themselves early in life that can be taken ever after as a demonstration of this abiding feeling.”
From Young Men and Fire
“As I get considerably beyond the biblical allotment of three score years and ten, I feel with increasing intensity that I can express my gratitude for still being around on the oxygen-side of the earth’s crust only by not standing pat on what I have hitherto known and loved. While oxygen lasts, there are still new things to love, especially if compassion is a form of love.”
And this from Facebook: We wanted to let you know that a memorial prayer service for the firefighters, their families, and the greater Prescott community has been scheduled to take place tomorrow, Tuesday, July 2, at 12 p.m. in the chapel here at St. Luke’s (Episcopal Church in Prescott.)