The Storm in the Midst of the Storm

We deployed with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to our home state, Alabama. Athens is not too far from where I grew up. A small country town of where almost everyone knows everyone or is related to them. Things have changed since I lived in this part of Alabama. Where cotton fields were, now there are homes. But the people, the kindness and helping each other during times of need, have not changed.

A couple of weeks ago, a tornado ripped through, just on the outskirts of town. It stayed on the ground thirteen miles and was at least a half a mile wide, with tentacles reaching farther in some areas. Trees came down, homes were damaged or destroyed and debris scattered about with memories. 


Today, we visited a man who had been at the hospital with his wife, of 42 years, in the final stages of cancer the night of the storm. She passed away that night. This man's spirit is broken. The outside of his home and yard, somehow reflects his spirit. When we drove into the driveway, we went through a deep mud hole, the front door and porch were so overgrown with bushes and shrubs, we had to go to the backdoor. His back porch was piled with things, either blown in from the storm, or empty spaces where things had been. 

When this man came to the door, his face had the shadow of grief, the 'don't care if life goes on' look. His eyes were empty and in pain, showing the emptiness in his life. 

He allowed us to share the hope, love and comfort that Jesus offers. As he reached for my hand, we had prayer with him. He held so tightly, my heart broke for him. 

Storms come and go in our lives. It doesn't matter if it is downed trees, lost homes or lost loved ones. The pain is there. The emptiness is there. 

The healing will start, sometimes slowly. We can hold on to the memories, but we must allow God to come in and give us His peace. That is how we prayed with him today and encouraged him to read the bible Samaritan's Purse had left for him. To start filling his spirit with God's Word and start looking ahead to the life that is before him. It is the only way to clean up our yards of overgrowth and neglect during the tough times in our lives.

Give your storm to God and start cleaning up your yard and spirit. Let Him come in to fill the void.

"Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30

Blessings,
gs