Thought for the Week

by the Revd Pat Reid, Associate Minister, All Saints Church, Ilkley

I WRITE as details emerge of the fire that destroyed Grenfell Tower, with TV footage showing shots of the charred remains of the block of flats. Our hearts and our prayers go out to all who have lost loved ones; to those who still seek missing relatives; to those who have been injured; and to all who have lost all their possessions and are homeless; so many people suddenly reduced to a state of insecurity and dependence.

Much will have already been written about this tragedy. I focus on the security services.

An image that spoke to me of dedication in the face of horror, was of a fire fighter emerging from the blackened building, looking worn out, dripping with water, and, I am sure, with tears in his eyes at the devastation and human loss he had seen. In such tragedies we are reminded of the remarkable bravery, skill and professionalism of all who work in the emergency services, and we are aware of behind the scenes hospital workers and local people coming out to help in whatever way possible.

The security services provide us with just that – security. Day by day we have the confidence that 999 calls will bring help, that people are watching out for unacceptable behaviour, that hospital workers respond with skill and professional care, and that in emergencies many will turn up for extra duties, as in the Manchester Arena tragedy. We can so easily take our security for granted. We know the security of a safe and warm home. We see police on the streets or in their cars, we see ambulances and fire engines responding to calls. We can so easily forget the security that they all provide.

Yet when lives crumble, as they have done for so many in this London inferno, security is lost in all the practical aspects of life. Wherein is hope for people in such situations? For those who believe, they know that their security lies in God, but even that can be shaken when your loved one or home are no longer there.

The spirit of all those who came to the aid of the lost, grieving and homeless, gives us hope. People from all faiths and none showed care and love, offered support, and by their very actions said that people matter.

Let us be thankful for all that we have – for our homes and all who help make our lives as safe as possible. To fire-fighters, police personnel, paramedics and medics, a big “Thank you” for all you do to care for us, enabling us to have a sense of security.