It began as any other morning with the exception of the howling winds. The radio announcer warned of mandatory evacuations due to an unstoppable fire threatening Rancho Bernardo, a community ten miles northeast. The 100-acre Witch Creek brush fire from the previous day mutated into a raging firestorm overnight.

If you've never experienced a firestorm-you haven't missed a thing. It's uncontrollable, unpredictable and can leap over a twelve-lane freeway as it did in 2003. The heat, smoke and ash can quickly overwhelm you. Within minutes it could overrun an entire neighborhood.

Southern California: A place many call "home..."

The hot and dry Santa Ana winds whipped the tornado-twisting flames at will. One house would miraculously be left standing while the adjacent homes were leveled. The fiery embers would spawn even more spot fires.

Fire crews ran thin and held a defensive posture while helplessly watching property burn. Air support was grounded due to hurricane-strength winds. And mandatory evacuation notices were sent via a reverse 911 call.

Fortunately, this is not the end of the story. Rather this is where the battle of wills began. It pitted the brute force of Mother Nature colliding with the human forces of love, character and resolve.

The residents of Southern California banded together as never before. Public and private evacuation centers and relief shelters were set up. Even for livestock. News updates were coming in from eyewitness accounts from the entire county. People put aside differences to work together for the greater good.

Federal, state and local officials were in concert sending relief and resources. Faster communication between police, fire and medical officials played a huge part in preserving lives. Firefighters from neighboring states were quickly dispatched. Even the military and National Guard were involved with the efforts.

Faith communities gathered together to pray. Many opened their doors to assist and serve their neighborhoods. One church registered over 600 Red Cross volunteers.

Large companies made huge donations for relief efforts. Local businesses donated an over-abundance of food and personal effects. Even local hotels and airlines offered incentives.

Displaced residents and pets were taken in by family and friends. Even total strangers helped out by advertising available living quarters on Craigslist. I called to check on three acquaintances and all three offered to put me up: just in case.

Again, the story doesn't end here...

Thousands of victims have lost everything. Their charred lives litter the once-beautiful landscape. Their memories and the clothes on their backs were the only valuables they carried with them as they escaped the inferno's path. How do you even begin to imagine what's going on in their minds?

How do you tell a child there's no home to return to? How do you comfort their tears at the same time concealing your own? How do you muster the strength to continue on when you are running on vapors? Where does the pain end and the healing begin?

Let's not forget the frontlines...

The real heroes are the men and women who risk their lives trying to save lives and personal property. They work in scorching heat, inhale toxic fumes and battle gusty winds. Fatigue, injuries and sleep deprivation are mere annoyances until they get the next call. They fight until the fight's over-or until they have no fight left.

What are they thinking when they are overpowered, lose ground and have to retreat? When homeowners refuse to evacuate because their home defines their entire existence? When they must decide which properties to save and which to abandon?

A community of one...

Southern Californians stood together to fight a tremendous adversary. Their organization, teamwork and common purpose demonstrated the power to overcome extraordinary circumstances. Which testifies that the human spirit, even when taxed and stretched, can rise to become a united force for good.

For the victims who find themselves homeless, they're shouldering a lot of internal hurt. Some may never totally recover. Many will not show you their pain. What will become of them?

The aftermath...

The threat of fire is over for now-but the healing has just begun. The process of rebuilding, restoring and renewing may take many years. In the meantime, each human life is a precious commodity with the potential for greatness. Will you become a partner in rebuilding human lives?

Tommy Yan helps business owners and entrepreneurs make more money through direct response marketing. He publishes Tommy's Tease weekly e-zine to inspire people to succeed in business and personal growth. Get your free subscription today at www.TommyYan.com.

Get a FREE 5-week Secrets to Web Mastery e-course. If your websites aren't making sales or capturing leads, you can't afford to let it idle in Cyberspace. Read more...