“Heaven on Earth.”
For each of us, those three words have a distinct definition. For me, it starts with love of family, friends and community. Going deeper, the meaning involves an assured salvation, a healthy rural lifestyle, congenial neighbors and ample opportunities to soak up God’s gifts of nature. And toss in plenty of laughter, especially from grandkids.
Yeah, I could make my list longer.
But you get the idea.
America and the world are in turmoil. Sadness and angst are everywhere. Bombs are dropping. Would-be assassins are lurking. Tornadoes are ripping. Floods and wildfires are raging. This list could be longer, much longer, too.
When the wildfires were blazing on the West Coast, I shuddered. I couldn’t imagine such horror. Now, I can. Ravenous blazes are galloping through South Georgia, near my family’s roots.
I no longer wonder, “What if California-like wildfires happen here?” Thousands of Georgia families are watching their slices of “Heaven on Earth” turn into hellish nightmares.
Reports of heroics are everywhere. Professional firefighters, volunteers, and neighbors helping neighbors are pouring hope onto the fiery crisis. And vigilant prayers are lifting to petition God to release downpours of His water on the widespread flames.
Brantley County is one of the apocalyptic epicenters. For an eyewitness report, I reached out to Wayne Morgan. My friend lives in the Raybon community. We connected in 2012 through his magnificent outdoor photography. Several of his award-winning Brantley County photos have been displayed in the governor’s office. Wayne and I collaborated on one of his several coffee-table books. He has been giving me wildfire updates. I am sharing a few of Wayne’s photos.
On Monday night, April 27, Wayne told me, “We have lost over 150 dwellings. In my lifetime of 61 years, Brantley County has never seen so much devastation and dealt with so much heartbreak.
“So many counties from all over Georgia have come to our aid with food, water, clothes and other supplies. Gov. Kemp said this is the most loss of homes in Georgia at one time in the state’s history.”
Wayne had high praise for the firefighters, many of whom are volunteers.
All that I can add are these words:
“Lord, we pray for rain and an end to these horrific wildfires. We also pray for strength and resiliency of the survivors. We ask for the safety of those enduring and battling this hellish nightmare. In your Son’s holy name, we pray. Amen.”
The
Brantley County wildfire was believed to have been started near Wayne’s cousin
Jesse’s business on Hwy. 82. The entire inventory of Morgan Automotive was
destroyed. Drought conditions and high
winds created the “perfect storm” for the rampant wildfire. 
dnesmith@cninewspapers.com
