You’ve no doubt heard about the numerous fires in LA…

…it just so happens that I happen to live next to one of them, and there’s something important they’re not telling you.

The news is quick to show the catastrophe these fires have caused: the flames, the ruins, and all the destruction.

They highlight the displaced citizens, and even the arsonists and thieves breaking into homes that have been evacuated.…

It's painted as a great tragedy, and in one light, it is.

It’s horrific to see your city, your house, perhaps places you visited as a child, reduced to charred rubble before your eyes.

And to think, some of these fires were caused by our own neighbors...

or that some would stoop so low as to steal from those on the verge of losing everything…

It’s a pity.

…But you know what’s not making the headlines?

How so many people, far outnumbering those who've caused harm, have come together—again—to help one another.

I can tell you personally, because I happen to live by one of these fires…

Since news of the fire spread, I’ve received messages of concern from all over—from relationships long past to newly formed ones, from local friends and acquaintances to those on the other side of the planet—all offering aid and sending warm wishes in one way or another.

And it’s not just me…

Millions of dollars' worth of food, clothes, and other essentials have been donated….

And that’s just from the local places I’ve seen.

Armies of volunteers have also jumped into action.

Local gyms have opened their doors to offer showers, lockers, WiFi, and more.

Even people from other states and countries have traveled here to help.

All these people, businesses, and organizations have united with a single objective: to provide relief to those suffering.

This is the core value of charity expressed through action.

It displays a fundamental truth about human nature…

That human beings are innately kind and compassionate.

It’s not until we’re trained to be selfish and aggressive that we are so.

…And this has been scientifically proven.

I say all this not to point out all the destructive programming out there...

But to suggest another point of view.

To propose that we don’t immediately believe the first piece of information that moves us.

And instead to offer a new way of looking at things…

A way more aligned with the innate qualities with which humans are born.

This is especially relevant to the Mason.

Given how deeply connected our brothers are to the infrastructure of society, it’s more important than anything that we reflect on the question Einstein urged us to consider:

“Do we live in a friendly or hostile universe?”

P.S. If you’re wondering, that’s a picture of the fire on the mountain less than a mile away from my house. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our service workers, there was no damage and everyone is safe.