I am shocked and appalled by some of the malicious comments that I have read on social media about the horrific wildfires in Southern California.
Comments such as: "burn, baby, burn" or "who cares, it is only California," and so forth. Whether one cares for how California is being run, there is no call for horrible comments to be made. People are losing their homes, animals are losing their lives and these fires are truly a catastrophe.
We need to have compassion for each other; whether we are in Florida or California, we are all still Americans and should love and support one another.
Philippians 2:4 states, "Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Let's care and pray for those affected by these wildfires, just as we appreciate prayers when we are going through hurricanes or floods. Be kind and show love towards one another. We are the United States of America; we aren't each other's enemies. Let's band together and help each other.
This is the giving time of year, Christmas. So let's remember those who are less fortunate.
Here are several worthy programs that need donations:
•Your local congregation always needs assistance for those in need. Check and see what is needed — food or financial contributions.
•Angel Tree through Prison Fellowship gives gifts to the children of prisoners, so they aren't forgotten at this time of year. See
•Samaritan's Purse has Operation Christmas Child, which many churches support this time of year. While the boxes have been turned in, donations are always welcome. See
•United Methodist Committee on Relief can always use donations. They provide disaster relief in our country. Online: http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Support
•The Salvation Army operates all year long providing disaster and other types of relief. Online: http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/give/
•Our food bank, Sharing and Caring, always needs donations, both food and financial. Online: http://sharing-n-caring.org/crestviewcontactus.html
•California Southern Baptist Relief provides assistance to those who need urgent help during times of crisis. See http://www.csbc.com/ministry-resources/csb-disaster-relief-ministries
•Presbyterian Disaster Assistance provides assistance to communities that are facing catastrophic events. See https://pda.pcusa.org/
The words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40 remind us, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me."
It is Christmas, be kind!
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: It is Christmastime — be kind