Storms of Strength and Thanks

The wind of Friday, March 2, 2012 has blown itself into the history of we the people. For those directly impacted there is no way to express the experience of being hunkered down trying to survive the tornado that touched down destroying everything within her path. Some areas experienced hail the size of golf balls that beat the yards in such a way that it looks like the ground had been aerated. The sides of homes look as if someone had opened up a machine gun and riddled the walls. Shingles removed leaving big patches on roofs were the fortunate individuals and families. Surviving with some damage compared to those who uncovered themselves to see nothing left creates a different emotion that can leave you speechless and in shock. Property damage is in the millions, some homes will never be rebuilt, and the wind will always bring fear for some as long as they live because of just a few seconds of time. It is the loss of life that brings things to a halt and our lives to a new focus. The first responders were family members, and neighbors. The survivors immediately became responsible for everything and in most of these situations with very little to attend with. None accepting any hero status, just simple statements of doing what had to be done. The arrival of professionally trained responders, those EMT’s, Police Officers, Deputy Sheriff’s, Volunteer Fireman, State Troopers, and members of the Rescue Squads all having their own journey working their way to those impacted. Every home was an emergency and every person in need of attention. What an overwhelming task for single individuals to begin to asses and figure out. It is one thing to drive through an area where you see and can recognize the land marks you’ve witnessed for years, and something totally different to be in that same area just trying to figure out where you are. On behalf of the families who experienced those responders, “THANKS”! When you talk with medical personal they simply say we were doing that which we were trained to do, “THANKS” to you too. It is in the midst of crises that we see the first glimpse of the real character people are made of. Through these situations we are reminded of the value of friendships and the cherished gems we have in people whom we do not even know by name but where there. 1000’s have responded and are continuing to respond even as you are reading this column. In the months ahead, thousands more will respond helping others to press on, move forward, rebuild, and gather themselves with your help. The task of making sense out of this experience for some will happen quickly and for others the journey will be a long road filled with more questions that will follow because of this search for understanding. Romans 8:28 says that “we know God works all things out, together for the good, to those who are called according to His purpose”. It is amazing that in giving ourselves away we can discover our own selves. In trying to find answers we learn the key is in focusing not on our own situation but on the circumstances of others. Finding within ourselves the courage to let go of our own holds on life we can discover the path which provides peace for even times like these. Prayers for those in Harrogate, Tennessee, London, East Bernstatd and West Liberty, Kentucky. May we each love stronger, give more generously, value the real treasures of people, who they are and the gifts they bring. May we each see ourselves as one person working together on a big team making a difference where we are while we can. Until then