June 5
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalm 85:6
The tornado seemed to come out of nowhere in Western Massachusetts, June 1, 2011! Despite the issued warnings there was no indication of any to be found. Yet to the horror of those who witnessed its arrival, seconds mattered and made the difference in their safety. As the fury of this powerful energy was unleashed, leaving a path of destruction for miles, homes were demolished, vegetation decimated, lives and bodies were broken, and people prayed. Over and over again, people interviewed by the media repeated, “I prayed.” Over and over again, voices recorded during this particularly frightening event said, “Oh God!” Instinctively we turn to God in our tribulation. Instinctively we call out His name. Yet even when we cannot pray, we are told the Holy Spirit prays for us and our very groaning is prayer to God (Romans 8:26). . . . And He is with us. In the aftermath, despite the enormity of this catastrophe only 3 lives were lost among the many injured. Experts were staggered by the minimal loss of life in this level of obliteration. My daughter and her family lived through this terror and were spared. To see first hand the immensity of the devastation in nearby neighborhoods overwhelmed them with grief; the fact that they and their home were essentially unaffected, filled them with gratitude, at the same time humbling them beyond words.
Days later as the cleanup of the ravaged area continued, many people interviewed said, “with God’s help we will rebuild.” Story after story was told that tugged at hearts. Victims continued to be comforted, astounded by the generosity of neighbors and people they didn’t know who worked day and night to help locate personal effects; treasured memories buried under tons of wood, metal and broken glass; all that was left of homes once filled with life and love. People spoke of camping out all night on their flattened property waiting for their beloved pets to find their way back home. Volunteers distributed food and water to the shocked and weary homeless. In an attempt at some level of normalcy, high school graduation parties continued and most importantly church services were held outside next to fallen steeples. Images of true faith were revealed when listening to their stories of gratitude, courage and hope when all seemed lost. As one person interviewed on television stated, “We have lost everything and nothing; my family is alive.” Rejoicing over the things remaining that mattered most in their lives, the things that it is easy for most to take for granted each day, revival of their homes and towns and spirits slowly began. One baby step at a time, forward they went in thanksgiving and faith on a journey that has left its mark on all of us, and continues, now three years later.
We thank you Father, for providing what we need to revive us from our brokenness.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalm 85:6
The tornado seemed to come out of nowhere in Western Massachusetts, June 1, 2011! Despite the issued warnings there was no indication of any to be found. Yet to the horror of those who witnessed its arrival, seconds mattered and made the difference in their safety. As the fury of this powerful energy was unleashed, leaving a path of destruction for miles, homes were demolished, vegetation decimated, lives and bodies were broken, and people prayed. Over and over again, people interviewed by the media repeated, “I prayed.” Over and over again, voices recorded during this particularly frightening event said, “Oh God!” Instinctively we turn to God in our tribulation. Instinctively we call out His name. Yet even when we cannot pray, we are told the Holy Spirit prays for us and our very groaning is prayer to God (Romans 8:26). . . . And He is with us. In the aftermath, despite the enormity of this catastrophe only 3 lives were lost among the many injured. Experts were staggered by the minimal loss of life in this level of obliteration. My daughter and her family lived through this terror and were spared. To see first hand the immensity of the devastation in nearby neighborhoods overwhelmed them with grief; the fact that they and their home were essentially unaffected, filled them with gratitude, at the same time humbling them beyond words.
Days later as the cleanup of the ravaged area continued, many people interviewed said, “with God’s help we will rebuild.” Story after story was told that tugged at hearts. Victims continued to be comforted, astounded by the generosity of neighbors and people they didn’t know who worked day and night to help locate personal effects; treasured memories buried under tons of wood, metal and broken glass; all that was left of homes once filled with life and love. People spoke of camping out all night on their flattened property waiting for their beloved pets to find their way back home. Volunteers distributed food and water to the shocked and weary homeless. In an attempt at some level of normalcy, high school graduation parties continued and most importantly church services were held outside next to fallen steeples. Images of true faith were revealed when listening to their stories of gratitude, courage and hope when all seemed lost. As one person interviewed on television stated, “We have lost everything and nothing; my family is alive.” Rejoicing over the things remaining that mattered most in their lives, the things that it is easy for most to take for granted each day, revival of their homes and towns and spirits slowly began. One baby step at a time, forward they went in thanksgiving and faith on a journey that has left its mark on all of us, and continues, now three years later.
We thank you Father, for providing what we need to revive us from our brokenness.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson