Hope rises from the ashes of hometown fire

“We’re very blessed.”
“The Lord is good to us.”
Those are not words I expected to hear.
A report on the front page of this week’s edition shares the heart-wrenching story of the damage a no-fault fire can do, but the lesson that struck me to the core was the power of faith when it matters most.
Sitting down to interview a family the day after they helplessly watched their home charred by fire is a powerful test of one’s perspective. I’ve had that assignment just a few times in my career, thankfully, but each time I came away amazed and humbled. I’ve been amazed by how quickly some fire victims can clear the smoke from their eyes and see so very clearly what matters in life. I’ve been humbled to wonder if I would be able to find that same strength and resolve, within hours if, heaven forbid, fate ever dealt me the fire card.
I’d never met Joseph and Kylee Ochsner before Saturday, but feel like they offered me, and the community, a window with a very clear view into their world with the message they had to share. 
The Ochsners had every reason to be bitter, having just moved back in three weeks after a new basement was completed under their L Street home. Instead, what I heard in an interview they didn’t have to do, was a message of sincere gratitude. I thought I was having a rough week, selfishly consumed with my own detailed to-do list, yet came away from that interview inspired and energized. That’s a choice, I realized, that I alone control.
One of the things I love most about living in small-town Nebraska is the way people respond like they did to the Ochsners. The first instinct is to give help in whatever form it’s needed, not waiting to be asked. Not only was the family offered money, clothing, food and emotional support, but another local family literally moved out of their own home and into their nearby cabin property immediately, giving the Ochsners a roof over their head. That’s more than generosity or Midwest hospitality, that’s a show of faith that will leave a lasting impression on everyone involved, and beyond.
Is the house charred beyond repair? Possibly. It’s too soon to know, though the damage from the street looks horrific. But what is not damaged, in fact is no doubt stronger today than it was early Friday morning, is the Ochsner’s faith in God and their fellow man.
“It’s a powerful reminder that everything we’ve worked for on this earth is not going to last, but we have a Father in heaven who we treasure and that cannot be destroyed,” Kylee said, looking straight into her husband’s eyes as she spoke. “Now we need prayers for patience, and direction, and wisdom as we take the next steps forward.” 
Amen, and God bless.
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net