I am still trying to process the devastation I have seen over the past 48 hours. Never before have I witnessed the aftermath of such a storm. Quite frankly, I hope this is the one and only time I do. At times it has been hard to comprehend it all. Homes literally demolished from the ground up. Debris all across the city. Hundred year old trees tossed aside as if they had been plucked from the earth like spring daffodils. The look on MG's beloved Mrs. Lori's face this morning when she told me her home was destroyed. The death of a mother and her 9 week old newborn. It is all so unbelievable.
And yet, in all the tragedy there have been great blessings. Out of hundreds of severely damaged homes, only two deaths have been reported. A family spared while riding out the storm in the pantry closet of their kitchen. It was the only room left standing on the foundation of their home. Every other wall in the home sucked up by the tornado. Citizens have rallied together to help those affected. Complete strangers have helped complete strangers and asked for nothing in return. City, county and state public services have been out in full force. Churches have mobilized disaster teams to help in any way they can. It has been community at it's best despite the circumstances.
Today is Easter Sunday. The day we celebrate the Resurrection. At church this morning, there was a bit of sadness in the air after all that has transpired. And yet, even in the midst of circumstances, there was hope. May we all be reminded that hope is not in temporary "stuff" but in the One who gave everything for each of us. Happy Easter everyone!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The Devastation and the Resurrection...
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5 comments:
wow. I heard about this. I'm so glad you are all okay. So sad. I'm sorry to hear about the loss. Thankful there is hope in the midst of it.
So glad to hear you are all safe. I grew up on tornado alley....oklahoma. I remember the shock at what nature can do. We will keep you in our thoughts.
Oh wow! I hadn't thought...so glad you are all safe! I, too, have been thinking about that mother and child.
I'm glad you're feeling the strength of your community. In the end, that's what we have--family, friends and neighbors, that's what matters.
Glad you are ok! I can't imagine how scary it was to see that cloud out the window!
I'm glad y'all are safe and sound. It sounds like you had quite a scare! Surviving Ike...I know what it is like to have "surviver's guilt" when there is so much destruction and pain all around. I will keep your community in my prayers.
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