M – Marcus (Firefighter)

The call came in late—another apartment fire, this one with people still inside. My team rushed to the scene, and everything happened so fast. I barely remember the moments before I went in, only that I was praying. I prayed for strength. I prayed for my team’s safety. I prayed for the lives we were trying to save. By God’s grace, we made it out with everyone alive, but I can’t shake the weight of it. The night before, I was thinking I’d never make it home again. Afterward, I dropped to my knees and whispered, 'Thank You, Lord, for protecting us.' Prayer is the breath I take when fear grips my heart, and the confidence that He’s with me, even in the chaos.