As the wildfires blaze through Los Angeles, we’re reminded of how quickly life can change and how fragile our sense of normalcy really is. In moments like these, it’s not about how many people we know—it’s about the depth of our connections. Who can we turn to? Who will show up when it matters most?

These fires aren’t just a wake-up call for emergency preparedness; they’re a metaphor for the relationships we build in life. Just as shallow roots can’t support a tree in strong winds, surface-level relationships can’t sustain us through life’s storms. Now, more than ever, we’re called to go deeper in our connections—with friends, family, colleagues, and community.

Depth, not breadth, is what carries us through challenges. It’s in the moments of vulnerability, consistency, and intentionality that true bonds are formed. The stories emerging from Los Angeles—of neighbors helping neighbors and communities rallying together—remind us of the power of meaningful connections in the face of adversity.