In January 2025, just short of four years after a fire had swept through the Topanga State Park, a wall of fire swept through the Santa Monica Mountains. It would take 24 days to contain the blaze, and in that time, more than 23,400 acres, 6,837 structures, and 12 people were lost to the third most destructive wildfire in California history. Scores of people lost their homes, and the communities effected are just beginning to recover. With this backdrop, a musician and songwriter effected by the fire begins composing, inspired by the perseverance he saw.
In a quick piano-side interview, we learn a little about the inspiration behind the song before seeing a fully-produced music video composed of compiled footage from the aftermath of the fire and continuing reconstruction from director Stacey Stone.
Shorts like these can be a little tough to properly rate, but I’ll do my best. Stone’s work is typically short documentary, and The Sanctity of Faith tricked me into thinking that’s what I’d be getting at first, and, honestly, I’m a bit disappointed that it wasn’t. She always finds interesting people to talk to and intriguing, inventive ways to help tell their stories, but, in the end, this title is more a music video than an exploration of a person’s life.
However, if you are someone who enjoys praise music and isn’t expecting a short documentary, you might be pleasantly surprised to find a music video instead of a conversation with a musician. And Stone’s eye for composition remains intact and poignant, even in the music video’s timed-with-the-words editing. For these reasons, Christian faith-based collections should consider The Sanctity of Faith most highly. Well-populated adult Sunday school classes especially will enjoy this music video. For individuals or public library collections, mileage may vary.
