With the 3 forest fires we have had in the Santa Barbara area in the last 18 months this community has certainly had a strain put on it. The adversity that families, people, and businesses are having to over come are incredible.
First there was the Zaca fire which was the 2nd largest fire in California's history. This fire burned more than 240,000 acres of some of the most beautiful country in the world. The pine forests that were once there are now replaced with something eerily like the moon. I know that the forests will rise again and this beautiful wilderness will once again be a place where the beauty of nature is abundant.
The Gap fire started on the ridge above the town of Goleta, and in a matter of hours was burning very close to the homes in the city of Goleta. This fire burned over 9,500 acres and burned 4 outbuildings and cost 20 million to put out. Yesterday we were informed that a 16 year old had been arrested and charged with arson in this case. How could someone actually want to start something this devastating?
The Tea fireis the most recent fire disaster to hit our fair city and it may have been the most impactful since it destroyed 210 homes and many of the personal items that went with them. I am one of the lucky ones who didn't personally have to wrestle with deciding on what to take from my home in a matter of minutes, or evacuate my horses, or contemplate trying to save my home with a garden hose, but many people did.
I have a number of friends who it would appear aren't as lucky as I. Then I began to wonder and contemplate one specific family that we are friends with who just lost their home only 2.5 years after losing their 15 year old daughter to brain cancer. Did I mention the mother battled breast cancer last year and is now cancer free. 
To speak with them you wouldn't have one clue that they feel sorry for themselves or are bitter about anything that has happened in their lives. They have never asked for help, but when someone else is in need they are at the front of the line willing to do whatever might be asked of them. They show up at church and are a light for all of us. My oldest son, I am proud to say is friends with their now only child. Wow, what that 13 year old could teach all of us about over coming adversity. (I had a lump in my throat while writing that last sentence)
I am 100% confident that this family is living their lives to be one of the most shining examples to all of us as to what being founded in your faith can mean. So, what does come from adversity? I think this family has moments when they wonder, but I also know that they are one of the closest most loving families I have ever had the pleasure of being around. Could it possibly be, much of their love for life and their fellow human beings has come out of the adversity they have experienced?
How do you handle adversity? Is a little ole economic crisis getting the best of you or are you embracing it and making the best you can out of every day? I know one thing, when I begin to have a little bit of a pity party I think of my friends and what they have been dealt and it inspires me to be better and do better at every moment of every day. I hope you have something like that in your life.
Greg Knowles Santa Barbara Ca. (Lawyers Title Co.)
Posted by 
;)
;)
I always wonder why people keep buying homes in areas that are known to be in a "high risk" area? I have heard of people whose homes have been burnt to the ground not just once but twice--why would you put yourself through the emotional pain of losing your home! I am just thinking out loud.