Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Tappahannock Tornadoes: What I Didn't Know

Today I sat in a meeting beside a lady who looked extremely put together.  She was dressed in a cute spring outfit, and she wore a huge smile on her face. What I didn't know, until after the meeting was over,  was that her home was severely damaged in the Tappahannock tornadoes. I didn't know her vehicles had been destroyed or the houses on either side of hers were totally flattened. I also didn't know her mother-in-law had survived being sucked up in the vortex of the storm. I didn't know the terror, turmoil,  and uncertainty she had faced over the last several weeks. At least not until she chose to share her story.

As I listened to her tale, I couldn't help but admire the poise she displayed and the calmness in her voice. She spoke of those who had stepped in to help, and she kept saying, "It's just such a miracle no one was killed."

All day long I thought about this girl and what she has endured over the last few weeks. Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  My friend is a powerful example of this scripture.  She had business to attend to today, and she went about her work with a smile.  She probably has no idea the major life lessons she taught me today.

So tonight as I lay my head down to sleep, I will pray for those tornado victims again.  I wasn't affected by the storm, and so shamefully I had forgotten about them.  I will pray for peace and comfort for the victims, but I will also pray I won't forget about those all around me who are fighting battles I know nothing about.

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