Sunday, April 17, 2011

Storms Refocus Priorities

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. -- James 1:12

Tornadoes have ripped across the South. Trees are down everywhere. Houses are damaged or destroyed. Seventeen people -- so far -- are dead. All those touched by the devastation -- either directly or indirectly -- will forever be changed.

My cousin lost his home in Mississippi. The photos are horrifying. He was at home when the twister hit. Except for a bump on the head and some scratches, he's fine. Physically, anyway. How can you be fine when your home is in shambles around you? How can you stay calm when you realize how close you came to never seeing the sun come up again?

One man in Alabama told reporters that he'd been home when the twister hit. Afterwards, he'd gone outside to survey the damage. Except he couldn't find his brother's home. The home that had once been just across the street. The man's brother and his brother's two children are dead. How easily are lives taken during the dark, howling night.

We talk a lot about rebuilding during the aftermath of storms. And, yes, residents will rebuild. Families will grieve and learn to live with a deep sorrow that never really goes away. One day it will all seem like a bad dream. Almost. Because nothing is ever the same in the days and years that follow a devastating loss and overwhelming destruction.

God calls us to hold steady during these trials of life. He bids us to come nearer to Him, to shelter in His waiting embrace. We become stronger by drawing on His strength. Our hearts are changed. Suddenly we understand those words others have uttered so many times before. Things really don't matter.

God's praises were sung in our family and in many other families as well. The survivors looked around in the blinding light of a spring day, eyeing the destruction, and remembered. This is the first day of Holy Week. Jesus is on His way to the cross. He understands suffering. This is nothing compared to what He endured so that we could have eternal life with God.