A Thief in the Night

That’s what it was. It seemingly came from nowhere. There had been no mention of TORCON ratings, and no frenzied weather people had been on the air for hours. People were sleeping peacefully in their beds when it hit.

Of course I am talking about the tornado that hit my beloved town just a couple of weeks ago. People I know personally were impacted either through home damage or losing loved ones. Those of us who live on the other side of town are both grateful and, at the same time, feel almost guilty for the fact that we had no loss. Through all of this, my main prayer has been that something good can come from tragedy.

And God answers prayers.

Some of the good has been personal. It was nice to know so many of you care. Jeremiah and I got so many messages, first asking if we and our family were ok and then offering help. My parents had people calling from across the street and across the county to check on us. Thank you.

Some of the good has been individual. I met a young man who has strayed from the church. The storm hit close to where he lives but spared him. It opened his eyes to the state of his spiritual life and I continue to pray that I will see him back, faithfully worshipping with God’s people soon.

Some of the good has been local. Our community has bonded in a way that shows God’s love. The generosity between all members, levels, and groups has been inspiring. The local churches of Christ have provided love, support, and goods in a mighty way.

Some of the good has been national. The president visited our town and was quoted as saying the efforts here, specifically by the churches, were a case study in what can and should be done in times of disaster.

Some of the good has been international. As many of our readers are aware, the Kimberlin family asked that churches sing “Holy, Holy, Holy” recently in honor of little Sawyer Kimberlin who was killed in the storm. I have heard that this song was lifted in praise as far away as Bulgaria to honor this request.

God answers prayers. Even in the midst of tragedy, He watches us and cares for us. As the storm has made many seek Him, I would like to remind readers of the following passage and remind you to pray to the God who answers prayers:

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us…” Acts 17:24-27

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AUTHOR: Amber Tatum