My heart is heavy today as news reports continue to come in regarding the dozens of Alabamians who have lost their lives in the fury of yesterday’s storms. Steady Eddie had to be up and about bright and early this morning to travel to Montgomery, over three hours south of here. He drove for about two hours and saw no visible signs of electricity–stoplights, houses, businesses, all dark. I just talked with him as he travels back toward home, and he told me that some teachers I’ve worked with in the past were likely killed in the storms. Nameless devastation is bad enough; knowing the victims makes it so much worse.
After Steady Eddie read the post I wrote last night, he commented that I left out the best (or worst?) part.
The girls went outside and played in a huge puddle after one of the storms:
Not thirty minutes later, this was bridging the puddle:
Why were we in the northernmost part of Alabama spared, while our neighbors thirty miles to the south weren’t? I don’t know. We are all thanking and praising God that we were spared, but what of those who weren’t? Can they still praise and thank Him? I think this encapsulates the real test of faith, doesn’t it? I’m reminded, of course, of Job’s response to his faithless wife, which is found Job 2:10:
“You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
That’s all easy enough for me to say as I sit here at my computer, my children all sleeping or enjoying their quiet time, all of my family members and friends safe and accounted for. I pray that I would stand the test if, God forbid, this weren’t the case.
I’m also reminded of Wendell Berry’s advice in Hannah Coulter :
What you must do is this: “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks.” I am not all the way capable of so much, but those are the right instructions. (113)
I shall try. Please help me pray for comfort and faith for those affected during this very difficult time.
I’m glad you are all okay. It’s sobering to realize how quickly our seemingly secure lives can change. Like you, I hope I would stand the test.
So sorry.
The reports are horrendous. My heart goes out to Alabama.
It is disturbing to know while we had one of the most beautiful days of the year so far, others were in the middle of the storm.
So sorry, Amy.
No easy answers for your hard questions. One thing that I do think is that God is ok with us asking those questions and even being angry at Him in our lack or understanding. I often am comforted when reading the Psalms at how the psalmists aren’t afraid to tell God just how confused and angry they are and yet in the next breath they praise him just because of who He is.
Although, even more than you that’s easy for me to write typing at my computer.
My prayers are with you and Alabama.
Amy ~ it is so very hard to make sense of this, isn’t it? My heart is heavy tonight. We live just south of ATL and a horrible tornado struck just thirty minutes south of us. I heard today via our homeschool email group that one of our members has a brother-in-law that was killed. Another has in-laws in Alabama that were injured. It’s a little too much to bear at times.
Thank you for your post. If you don’t mind I’m going to share it via my Facebook page.
Blessings to you -
Mary
Feel free to share it, Mary. Thank you for your kind words.
I read your previous post last night. Honestly I didn’t know what to say and thus didn’t leave a comment. When I was little an F5 Tornado hit a small town just 15 minutes away from our home and caused complete and unspeakable devastation. Now, so many years later, the area has recovered but the loss is still felt. Yes, I agree that prayer is so very helpful. Take heart in the fact that you are not alone in all this. Many prayers go out to those affected. May God grant us the strength and grace needed for our journey.
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. Steady Eddie is back home after a long day of travel. He was able to visit with some of his family and eyewitness a lot of the destruction. The death toll in Alabama is now nearing 200. My mother found a cancelled check and newspaper clipping in her yard from way over in central Mississippi, carried to NW Alabama by the storm winds.
Oh my. (Catching up on my Google Reader here…) That is just amazing. I was thinking of – and praying for – your family during the storms. I’m glad to know that y’all are safe. Amazing about the cancelled check and newspaper clipping that your mother found! It’s mentally difficult to grasp hold of the situation!
I’m thankful that you and yours are safe–and praying as well for the many who have lost people and possessions. May God give us all grace to trust and cling to Him in every circumstance He gives us, whether good or bad.
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