by Bermie Dizon
My wife and I truly thought our house would be burned.
As we evacuated, the question kept ringing in my mind: What if it gets burned? What will I do?
It’s a question many evacuees have asked themselves. And honestly, I didn’t have a ready answer when someone asked me. I just stared, unsure of what to say.
In those uncertain moments, we were overwhelmed by the love and encouragement of hundreds of people who prayed for us. For those prayers, we are deeply grateful.
But even with our gratitude, my heart aches for the thousands of families who lost everything. It’s hard to process the pain of those who’ve seen decades of investment, memories, and community reduced to ashes.
I know friends who’ve lost their homes. They may say they’re “okay,” but behind those words is a deep struggle—anguish, depression, and even PTSD.
And then there’s “survivors’ guilt.” My son, David, and I talked about this.
His wife’s parents also live in Altadena. So they were worried for both houses. Yes, our houses almost burned but somehow were spared, but we feel the weight of sorrow for others.
Why us? Why were we spared when so many were not? These questions can be paralyzing.
I don’t presume to know the answers. All that I can do is look into His Word and see what God says about it. As I reflect, I am reminded of the cross of Christ.
Jesus bore our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4).
He took the weight of guilt—ours and the world’s—and nailed it to the cross. The Word of God says that we don’t have to carry this burden because Jesus carried it for us.
In Him, we find true healing, purpose, and hope.
Survivors’ guilt is real. It is documented in the stories of survivors during the 911 Twin Tower collapse. It is documented after so many calamities.
Survivors’ guilt can lead us to a place of bitterness, despair, or worse. But there is hope.
Through Christ, it can also lead us to compassion and action. Let our grief draw us closer to God. Let the Holy Spirit move us to prayers, extend tangible support to those rebuilding, and shine His light in the darkest times.
Not to boast, far from it. But I admire my wife who in the early morning, though cold, prepared breakfasts, coffee, and sandwiches for the police and National Guardsmen who watch over our block to prevent looters.
We also opened our house daily, 24 hours, for them to use as their restroom. I think that greatly helped us minimize our survivors’ guilt.
As Paul reminds us, “Mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
For those who are experiencing what we are experiencing, let us point others to the One who brings true peace, comfort, and restoration. Jesus doesn’t just rebuild homes; He rebuilds hearts and lives.
To those hurting, I want you to know that God sees your pain. He knows your loss, and He is with you in your sorrow.
And for those of us who have been spared, let’s be His hands and feet, offering prayers, encouragement, and help to those in need.
Together, let’s find hope in Christ and work toward healing as a community.
BERMIE DIZON is a retired pastor of Grace Communion International (GCI), Glendora, California, and a former writer for USA Tribune for nine years. He is also the author of the book “God, In Every Step” which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other outlets.
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