Earthquakes

This past week I met Lucy Jones, nicknamed by many Californians as the "Beyoncé of Earthquakes."

Dr. Jones is a leading voice in seismology. Her work at Cal Tech and the US Geological Survey have vastly increased our knowledge and subsequent prediction of earthquakes. Indeed she and her partners at USGS developed the "Great Shakeout Earthquake Drills," educating millions on what to do should an earthquake occur. 

Which is how I met Lucy. Doing an earthquake drill. In church.

When it came time for announcements this past Sunday, Lucy got up and gave us a brief overview of earthquakes and the importance of preparing for such events. And then, while standing in the pulpit, she encouraged all of us to "Drop. Cover. And Hold On."

At her command, I dutifully climbed under my seat on the altar while the congregants all disappeared underneath the pews. 

When Beyoncé preaches, everyone listens.

"Earthquakes are part of our environment. It's the reason Southern California is as beautiful as it is." - Lucy Jones