My heart is heavy as I write today’s brief post. Last evening, folks in nearby Joplin and the surrounding areas were hit by tornadoes and severe storms. You may have seen part of the television coverage if you’ve tuned in to your news this morning.
Since our own little neck of the woods was hit twice within the last seven years, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation that these massive storms can leave behind. The effects of such a tragedy are lingering– physically, mentally, and financially. To this day, when storm sirens sound from nearby, we immediately head for shelter–the storms here in “Tornado Alley” have made believers out of us.
We spent a good portion of our time in our shelter last night, so I apologize that this post isn’t a little more eloquent or thought-provoking. I wasn’t able to turn my computer on until the “all clear” was given.
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Double rainbows, captured off of our back deck, facing east
A beautiful reminder of God's promise!
Comments 10
I’m so thankful your safe!
Author
Thank you so much, Sarah! The devastation in the Joplin area is nothing short of tragic. Please join me in praying for all who were touched by this.
I’ve always loved thunderstorms. Watching the cloud
formations in the sky, counting how long it takes for
the thunder to catch up with the lightning, and admiring
the awesome power of the wind. Now that I am older and
have my own children, I am much more aware of the
dangers lurking in these powerful storms, but I’m also
aware of God’s divine protection. Last month, an F4
tornado ripped through the northern counties of St.
Louis, 20 minutes north of me. The devastation was
wide spread – a path about 22 miles long and at times
1/2 mile wide. Despite this, there were no fatalities.
Thank you, Lord. I’m so glad you’re safe and will
be praying for those in Joplin.
Author
Thank you for praying, Tanya! I’m so sorry that the St. Louis area was hit, too, last month. Stay safe today!
That double ranibow is so beautiful.
That is the first time I ever saw a double rainbow.
Author
Yes, sweet Rachel, it was indeed beautiful!
…And God is still in control!
It hadn’t dawned on me that you live in Tornado Alley. Thankful you are safe, and praying for those in the devastated areas. I can’t imagine what it takes, or how long, for life to return to a semblance of “normal” for those affected by these storms. I know how long it took for me to stop trembling at the sound of thunder after lightning struck near our home one summer. I had gone into the attached garage for something, heard a loud bang, the lights went out, and the burglar alarm siren went off over my head. Just about every electronic device in our house was fried; we even found charred plastic on the ice maker in the freezer. It was quite a while before I remembered that God’s voice can sound like thunder, and I’d better get used to it!
Author
Well, it does make a believer out of us when we go through something that traumatic, doesn’t it, Patti? When the last one hit our own area a few years ago, the surrounding farmland and residential areas looked like a war zone. And we know that there are still many rough days ahead for those who endured so much last night. May God bless all who were affected!
Wow, Glad to hear you are safe, Cynthia, but hurting for those who didn’t make it out okay. We live in a high tornado area, too, and I always dread those sirens. I’m thankful for those rainbows. Lovely pictures!
Author
Yes, my emotions have run the gamut today. Somehow, some way , God will use this situation for His glory. Let’s continue to pray for those who lost loved ones and the thousands who are hurting.
I’m thankful for those rainbows, also, Sarah!