After the Fire and Smoke is Gone…We Will Still Be Smoky Mountain Strong. On Monday evening November 28 in a matter of minutes, a wildfire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park spread into the city Gatlinburg and nearby communities of Sevier County. Extreme dry conditions (we have had very little rain the past several months) coupled with a cold front approaching with the promise of rain was preceded by extreme windy conditions of dry winds with gusts up to 80 mph and created a spontaneous fire storm. We could see the fire and smoke from our home. Twice that night, we had locked doors blown open with wind gusts. At the same time, I was on the phone with stranded church members trying to make sure they got out safely and arranging them for places to stay. Finally a little rain came into help a little. There were over 17,000 acres burned with over 10,000 of those acres in the National Park. Approximately 1,000 buildings and structures including several churches were damaged or destroyed. Amazingly, The main downtown business and tourist area of Gatlinburg remains mostly intact.  Within a few hours shelters were set up in Gatlinburg, and nearby Pigeon Forge, and in Sevierville where I live. At our church, we were a shelter for the first night and now we are continuing preparing meals for the relief workers and the national guard.

At our local hospital where I serve as a volunteer chaplain, we treated over 80 people from the fire, others were transported to other hospitals as well. Most of those have been released. Unfortunately, there were some fatalities. 

Other churches and organizations are mobilized and helping too in so may ways .Our local government officials , emergency personnel along with outside agencies and organizations have done an incredible job in help managing this crisis and helping our people. 

The magnitude of of all of this.. is overwhelming but something that myself and other local residents have observed is even more amazing. Beneath the numbers, headlines and heartbreak is the outpouring of love and support of our local people. Many of them, shocked and experiencing personal loss themselves showing love of concern for others. A single parent with two children who lost her home and job in the fire, the very next day helps her friend by bringing her to our hospital for a scheduled outpatient surgery. Another family, who also lost their home in the fire were at a local store buying boxes of bottled water to to take to the firefighters still fighting the fire. In our community, we are continuing to hear so many of these personal stories of acts of kindness that are too numerous to count. We are known for our beautiful mountains here; but our greatest resource to survive and eventually thrive in spite something like this…is our people. For generations, our mountain people have learned to deal with hardship while at the same time helping others and loving their neighbors as themselves. It is just as powerful today as it was in the past. I am so proud and humbled to live in a community of such wonderful people.

The long process of healing and recovery has begun. Dollywood, businesses in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are open. They project that downtown Gatlinburg will be open to the public in a few days.

In between hospital vists today, I called a friend to check on him. He and his wife are okay. At the time I called him, he and his wife were seeing the damage to their home for the first time since the fire. Their home is was destroyed as well as a lot of their business property. He told me that their faith was strong and talked about that they will get through this because that what mountain people do.

That is why with The Good Lord’s grace, mercy, and love and support of each other…even after the fire and smoke is gone…We will Still Be Smoky Mountain Strong! 

There are two little words that can have a big impact in a positive way… “Thank You”. It is refreshing to me, that at the recent Country Music Awards that the Song of the Year was “Be Humble and Kind.” Saying the words “Thank You”, and the attitude and actions of showing “Kindness” are increasingly disappearing from our culture. There has been a slow erosion over time and unfortunately it has become accepted as normal. Our world has become fragmented in big ways but also in small ways. We have become a people so obsessed with success that we are forgetting the importance of love, respect and kindness. It also seems, at the same time, we have become so cynical and critical of everything and everybody.

But all of that does not diminish the importance of being thankful and giving thanks or encouraging others in some other way. Dr. Albert Scweitzer, a famous musician, pastor, and missionary medical doctor stated this…”In everyone’s life, at sometime, our inner fire goes out. It is then it is burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” Everyone needs a little spark of encouragement from time to time. 

A little “thank you” or expression of encouragement can go a long way in helping someone. Centuries ago, Aesop described it this way, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Even the famous humorist Mark Twain said…”I can live two months off a good compliment.”

Being thankful and giving thanks should not be limited to one day of the year in November. ..It should be an everyday occurrence and habit for us…

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18(MSG)

 Let’s be kind and thankful and reflect God’s love and encourage someone each day…

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever” – Psalm 107:1 (NLT)

I had a friend call me one evening and asked me to go by the church and find something they had left there earlier in the day. So I went into the building, and walked down the hall, when I entered the room, I hit the light switch but no light came on… I was looking on the floor, and all of a sudden a door opens, and when I looked up there was a man standing there with a scary mask on his head! I could not get out of there fast enough, as I was trying to escape. I bounced around like like a pinball in a pinball game machine. When I left, I hit the walls going down the hall and then…I heard laughter…??? It was some of my “friends” that were there the whole time and had played a trick on me! After a few minutes, when I finally caught my breath and composure I asked them …I didn’t say any bad words, did I?…I have laughed a lot about that experience, and don’t feel sorry for me because it was a payback for the previous times I scared my “friends.”We all face fears in our lives. Some fears are based in reality, others are imagined. Some times they come as a surprise in a instant or sometimes they gradually build over time and get on “our nerves” and attack our mental and emotional wellbeing. There are many sources of phobias and fears. Here are few that experts have identified: “Chrysophobia” is the fear of the color orange, (I have actually overcome this one by attending a lot of Clemson football games when I lived in the Carolinas and UT Vols games now that I live here in Tennessee.) Then there is “Gelotophobia”, which is the fear of being laughed at (I have overcame that fear by laughing at myself).One of the more recent diagnosed phobias is “Nomophobia”, the fear of being out of mobile phone contact… and then there is “Phobophobia”, which is the fear of having a fear or a phobia.

We all have encounter fears in our lives. How should we respond to them? I personally have found that getting the facts and then strengthening our faith to face our fears, is the most helpful approach. Sometimes it can be as simple as just getting the facts to calm our fears,when we find out our fears were really unfounded or true. Even if our fears are confirmed, looking to God is always helpful, regardless of what we are afraid of or fears that we are facing in our lives. The fears we struggle with may bigger than us but they are never too big for God to handle if we will let Him. We can take Him at His Word…

-“Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear.” – 1 John 4:18 (NCV)

-“For God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power, and love, and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (EXB)

-“I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from ALL my fears.”- Psalm 34:4 (ESV)

This time of year attracts many visitors to our area, when the leaves change colors on the trees here in the mountains. I saw this recently on a sign: “Each year thousands of backpackers climb the Great Smoky Mountains…Nature’s Peace flows into them as Sunshine flows into the Trees; the Winds blow their freshness into them…and their cares drop of like Autumn leaves.” – Adapted from John Muir  In a few short weeks the leaves will drop of the trees as we transition into winter. I like this description of the process: “I realize there’s something incredibly honest about trees in winter, how they’re experts at letting things go.”

It seems that learning to “let go” is more difficult for us humans. Why is it so difficult for us to let go of things? Even though we know there are times when we really should do it? Feelings of loss can heighten the awareness for our need for security, maybe a fear of loss of control, or even concern about the future… these are some of the most common reasons we struggle with it.

“Letting go” doesn’t mean we forget the past but we do learn to deal with it and put it into the proper perspective in the grand scheme of things as we look forward to the future. Our ancestors here in the Smoky Mountains had a saying that allowed them to function during times of adverse weather, sickness and other difficulties they faced on a regular basis…”Make the least of what goes, and make the most of what comes.”

Dr.Henry Cloud states that “Everything has seasons and we have to be able to recognize when something’s time has passed and be able to move to the next season.” Recognizing that is such an important step for continuing on with our lives in a healthful way.

Letting go can also make room in our lives to grow in other areas of interest. It can be a time of renewal for our mind, body, and spirit. It can be a time to refocus on what is most important in our lives. “The Lord says, do not think about or dwell on the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening.Don’t you see it? I will make a path in the desert and streams in dry land.” – Isaiah 43:18-20 (EXB).

Let go and let grow…May we let go of things that are keeping us from becoming what God wants us to be and take time to grow in areas of our lives that will help us to be our best for Him.

 One of my favorite waterfalls is Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest between Brevard N.C. and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Through the years, I have been there by myself and been there with friends. I have seen it in all kinds of weather… I have seen it in the rain, drought, sunshine, snow and fog. One thing is constant is that…it never runs out of water. It’s as if it has unending supply and never runs dry. It is powerful and strong and never weak, regardless of what the weather changes are around it.  When I think about how God, the Creator provides that never ending source of strength for this waterfall, how much more so He is able to provide, spiritual, emotional, and physical strength for you and me…every day. 

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to the weak, and strength to the powerless. even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fail in exhaustion. But those who (wait upon the Lord) trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint .”- Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT). Think about how this describes God as our personal source of strength:

1. The Lord is the everlasting God. ( He is always there for you and me)

2. The Lord is the Creator of all the Earth. ( He made this world and us too)

3. God’s wisdom and understanding is endless. ( He knows and understands better than anyone)

4. God gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. ( He renews our strength as we trust Him and exchange our weakness for His strength)

5. Waiting for and Trusting in the Lord will renew our strength. ( He is our source of hope and confidence)

6. God will keep us going. (“Even the strongest people get tired at times, but God’s power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen. His strength is our source of strength. When you feel all of life crushing you and you cannot go another step, remember the you can call upon God to renew your strength.” – Life Application Bible)

So, in other words…When we exchange our weakness for God’s Strength by faith and trusting in Him, we renewed by His love and grace, just like a waterfall that never runs dry. I have personally found it helpful, when I am feeling overwhelmed to pray a simple prayer … “Lord, this is bigger than me, I can’t handle this in my own strength but I known You can through me, as I trust You, amen.” He can be our Ultimate Source of Strength today if we will trust Him…

Have you ever been in a boat that was drifting, or have you ever been at the beach riding a float, and then without really noticing it you realize you have drifted far from where you started? That happens when there is a strong undercurrent beneath the surface. That can happen to us in our personal lives as well. It is easy to drift away from from our priorities, usually it is so gradual we don’t really notice it. It is important for us to stay connected in our fellowship with God. Sometimes, we are distracted by other issues and personal pursuits; then before we know it, we have neglected our most important relationship.     Pastor Chuck Smith described it this way: “If you can point to any time in your Christian experience when you walked closer to God than you are walking today, when you experience His presence and power in your life in a greater measure, then you are in a backslidden state. Backsliding happens when you allow any other desire, ambition, or preference to take first place in your heart and life. But there is hope…even if you have wandered far, you can find God again if you will seek Him with your whole heart and soul. God is patient and work in your life again. He will not forsake you. He will not destroy you. He will remember His covenant with you, for He is a merciful God.” 

Even the apostle Paul wrote: “But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firm in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. “ – Colossians 1:23 (NLT). Let us not take from granted what God has done for us. Let us draw closer to Him and be a reflection of God’s mercy and grace in a world that so desperately needs the Good News. Let’s take heed to what Charles Stanley has said…” Whether things are sailing smoothly or the bottom has dropped out, He is always trustworthy. You can count on Almighty God to keep His Everlasting Word.” 

I like to hike and write. I am often asked if I hike all the time? I wish I could, because it is a tremendous stress reliever for me. I typically hike about 3 or 4 days a month. When I am not at the church, I spend most of my weeks visiting people in hospitals and assisted living facilities. I am really thankful to get the opportunity to pray with people and encourage them when things aren’t going well for them, or when they get good news I love to celebrate with them. For instance, just the other day, I visited several people who had discouraging news about their health issues, I encouraged them by listening to them, reassuring them with some scripture, and praying with them and told a funny story to cheer them up. Next, I visited a happy young couple, welcoming their first child into their family. I see the emotional highs and lows with people on a regular basis. I also help out families with funerals. Recently, I had 5 in one week. I help lead a Grief Share class … all of this takes a lot of emotional energy. 

That is why I like to hike and to get outdoors and explore God’s beautiful creation. it recharges my emotional batteries. It gives my mind a mental break and my lungs fresh air and even clears my head and declutters the junk in my thought life.

In the stillness, looking over the mountains or by a mountain stream, there is such an overwhelming calm and peace that floods your soul. It is here, in the sanctuary of God’s creation that you can quiet the noise of your life and refocus and recharge. As you pray and reflect on what is really important, you sense God’s presence and He speaks to you in a quiet but very powerful way. Experts call it the “Biophilia” effect, describing how we as human beings, when we get outdoors and experience nature, it has a therapeutic and emotionally healing impact upon us. John Muir, a prominent influence in establishing our national parks said this almost a century ago..”Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” I’m so thankful to God, our Creator for every time I get to experience that. It is just another way He shows His love for all mankind. He is the source of every blessing we experience. I’m reminded of this important truth from the Bible..”I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from the mountains? No, it comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.” – Psalm 121:1-2 (MSG)

I also like to take photos on my hikes. I may take 30 to 50 photos on just one hike. Then I like to share some of those photos, one at a time on social media usually with a encouraging quote or Bible verse. There is so much negativity in our world, I would rather share some uplifting things that encourages others. I’m amazed how many people tell me that what I have shared in this way, has helped and encouraged them. I love these words I saw on a hiking trail sign…”Leave nothing but footprints, Only take pictures, Don’t kill anything but time.” For me, it is always time well spent, a brief but effective mental and emotional break from the crazy world we live in…Happy Trails Y”all! JBear 

The ” Talking Bear” at Mount LeConte…Once upon a time, I went with a hiking group from our church to spend the night at the Lodge at Mt. Leconte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We were called the “Path Pilgrims” and what an adventure we had… all kinds of weather, from sunshine, rain, sleet, snow and fog. We left the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain with sunshine and comfortable temperatures. As we ascended up the trail, we were hit with a cold front, with strong winds and a storm. There is a part of the trail where you are hiking along the rocky side of the mountain. The path is very narrow and metal cable attached to the rock to get you from falling of the side of the mountain. When we reached that part,the wind was gusting so strong that rain was literally pushing up the mountain instead of raining downward as it normally does. I told some of the group that it reminded me of being in a tornado when I lived in Texas. That wasn’t very comforting to them, especially when they told me that this was their very first hike!

That night after dinner, I gave a devotional talk to our group in a larger building. Clouds and fog had surrounded the mountain top that night and you could only see a few feet at best. I counted the cabins on the way to big building to make sure I would get back to the right cabin. After the meeting, I went out the door and down the path to my cabin. I could hear people talking inside but when I went to open the door it was locked. I knocked on the door while shouting “Let me in!” Then I heard someone inside asked “Who’s there?” I replied “Jerry Bear!”…They replied “Who?” By this time I’m getting frustrated by their lack of sensitivity. “I’m Jerry Bear, let me in!”… Then I realized I had came out a different door from the building and I wasn’t at my cabin!… I was talking to strangers who weren’t with my group and they evidently didn’t know my name was “Jerry Bear”! 

I tried to explain the situation to them…but they never opened the door. 

I can imagine when they got home they told others about the “Talking Bear at Mt. LeConte.” 

It’s easy to get confused in the fog. In life, we all go through times that seem like that way too, not knowing what to do next or where to go…life can be so confusing sometimes. That’s when it is so important to look to the Lord for guidance and encouragement. I like how David described it in the Bible: ” I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from ALL my fears”. – (Psalm 34:4). May we look to Him when we are lost in a fog of doubt and confusion. He will get us through it..and by the way, His door is always open, just talk to Him in prayer anytime and any place…

Seasons of Change… “For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
“If you watch how nature deals with adversity, continuinally renewing itself, you can’t help but learn from it.” – Bernie Siegle
I am fortunate to live in an area of the country where we have fall, winter, spring, and summer. Each has a distinctive beauty of it’s own. There are things I really like about each season and some things… not so much. Regardless of the weather (which none of us can control), I try to make the most of it and adapt and adjust to it.

That is also true of the seasons of our life. There are some days I feel ageless, feeling like I’m 30 something, then there are other days I wake up and wonder how did I get this old so quickly. I like what my friend Clell King has said …”I’m not old, I’ve just been here a long time.” Billy Graham has said: “Don’t resent getting older, many are denied the privilege.”

My Pastor, Dan Spencer calls me “The Oldest Teenager”, that’s quite a compliment, kinda reminds of a lyric from a Bob Dylan song…”I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.” I’m not going to try be something I’m not but I’m am going to strive to be the best I can be with wherever I am at in life. I chose to embrace the seasons of life, realizing every day is truly a gift from God. I chose to keep learning new things, enjoy the little things, and stay focused. I keep adapting and adjusting to the changes in my life, instead of sitting around complaining, having a continual “woe-is-me pity party” (which no one wants to attend).

Dr. Henry Cloud, noted Christian Counselor states that …“Everything has seasons and we have to be able to recognize when something’s time has passed and be able to move into the next season.” I am so thankful, that with all the changes we are all constantly dealing with our lives, that God is always there with us. He continually gives us renewed energy and strength; not just to survive but to thrive each day, regardless of our present circumstances. One of my favorite Bible verses is “Those who wait for the Lord’s help, find new strength; they rise up as an eagle in the sky, they will run and not need rest, they will walk and not become tired” – (Isaiah 40:31). May we all, regardless of our age or stage in life look to the Lord for strength, guidance, and peace.

John Muir said,” in every walk with nature, one receives more than he seeks”. I have found that to be true many times. I enjoy taking walks in the mountains, by a lake or by a stream. It is refreshing to see all the beautiful little details and the unparalleled beauty that God has created for us to experience in nature. As St. Jerome stated, “We marvel at the Creator, not only as the One who made Heaven and Earth, but also the small creatures.”As I see the loving care God gives in nature, it reminds me how much more God cares and loves you and me. Because of that great love He has given us, it should motivate us to trust in Him more in our personal lives. Emerson described it this way…” All that I have seen, teachers me to trust the Creator, for all I have not seen.”I hope, that whenever you can, you will take the opportunity for a walk and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. It will rekindle and encourage your faith. Jesus said…” If God gives such attention to the appearance of flowers, don’t you He will attend to you, take pride in you, do what is best for you?” – Matthew 6:30 (The Message). Amen … And let Heaven and nature sing in our hearts and minds today!