Friday, April 27, 2012

Today We Remember

Afterward the LORD spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” -- Genesis 15:1

Where were you one year ago today? If you live in the Deep South, you remember the night well. Tornadoes ripped apart many areas, killing hundreds. Tuscaloosa lost more than 50 people. Devastation littered the city.

And then the storms moved toward Birmingham. A dear young woman and her two children emerged from a basement unharmed. Their home was gone. It took her frantic husband two days to get a flight into Birmingham. They’re still not back in their new home, rebuilt on the same site. The scars will linger forever.

Her father said something profound in the days immediately afterward: It’s amazing how little a house means when you realize that your daughter and grandchildren are okay.

He was right. Many, many people who lost everything they owned were grateful for their lives. Others grieved, and continue to grieve, for those that didn’t survive. How does anyone explain why one person dies and another lives? There are no answers to that one.

Have you ever faced a storm of such magnitude? Have you ever truly been afraid, in circumstances you couldn’t control? What happened? If you’re like most of us, you cried out to God. And He answered.

Because God never leaves us to face anything alone. Ask anyone who has been there. It’s almost like you can reach out and touch God, He is so close and His Presence is so great. Another reminder that we belong to Him and He protects His own.

Today is a day of memories. Some are sad as we remember those who died that day. Some are amazing stories of survival. Others are stories of gratitude and achievement because there’s nothing like disaster to bring out the best in people. We want to help. We want to serve.

Tornadoes and other natural disasters remind us of what truly is important. And it’s not things. As much as we like our stuff, people are what matter most. And pets. My friend’s kids rejoiced when their dog was found. They’d lost all their toys and everything that was familiar to them but they had their dog and that was what mattered. A small spot of normalcy in a world that was forever changed.

Bad things happen in this world. They just do. But we can know that in all circumstances God is with us, holding on to us, protecting us and loving us. Today we’ll remember and give thanks to a God who tells us to not be afraid because He is with us.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Praise God In The Storm

These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. -- 1 Peter 1:7

A few weeks ago, parts of Alabama and the Deep South were blasted by devastating tornadoes. Hundreds died. Many were left homeless, with physical and emotional scars that will last a lifetime. A test of faith.

A young woman and her two small children emerged from a basement, unhurt. Their home was destroyed. Literally. Nothing left but a few photos and a smattering of clothes buried underneath the rubble. They looked around their neighborhood. It was wiped out.

The woman’s father owned the home. People questioned how he was doing as he and others worked to clear away debris. He shook his head. Funny how little a house means, he said, when you daughter and grandchildren emerge unhurt. Kind of puts things in perspective.

His daughter marveled at the outstretched hands. She noted the volunteers who came by regularly to make sure they had food and water, tools for the cleanup, toiletries and other necessities. Compassion and kindness in the midst of tragedy.

Churches reached out, even when their buildings were gone. People learned that the church isn’t a place but rather the people who occupy that space. A few more folks found time to attend worship services. Out in the parking lot, standing or sitting in borrowed lawn chairs, paying attention to the words of the sermon and the songs. Praise for a God who remains faithful in the presence of the storm.