The anniversary of the fateful day that changed our lives has dawned. I still remember everything as if it were yesterday. Dad told us that we likely will never be able to forget what happened. Every image, every sound, every thought I can still put in exact order in my mind of that night. My family, close friends, and I could not have fathomed the road that lay ahead.
Looking back on this year, it has been one of the hardest times of my life. Most likely it will be the hardest my family is ever put through. But God has taught us so many things that have grown our faith in Him even stronger in such a short amount of time.
Though our lives are resuming some normalcy, there are dear friends whose lives will never be the same. I feel guilty at the thought that in time, things will resume normalcy for us, while those who lost family members have a scar in their hearts for the rest of their lives.
Though the horror of that day will forever linger in my mind, even more will the blessings of the brothers and sisters in Christ that we have come to know, and the friendships that have been strengthened. The body of Christ rose up in legions all over the country to come and bless our little valley. The impact they made will remain as ingrained as the tornado.
I am anxious to see the great things the Lord has in store for us.
A verse that ironically has struck true in both ways for my family as the foundation of our home was still standing April 27: "When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation." Proverbs 10:25
"It is just that we should remember this anniversary. We should feel sorrow at the loss of loved ones; grieve with those who had the misfortune to have homes in the wake of the tornado. But we should live with hope, and without fear. The sun will continue to rise, the rainbow will continue to come out after the storm clouds clear. What is left to us is to choose to treat each day as the precious gift that it is, and treasure the time we are given with our families and friends." Evan Travers
"The rainbow will continue to come out after the storm clouds clear."
After we moved home, the last four times it has rained, there has been not one, but two full rainbows almost every time right behind our home. I can't help but think it is God's promise to us.
Through this past year these things I can say with full confidence...
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
3 comments:
Bria has grown into such a wise young lady. These words show not only the wisdom she has, but most of all the Faith in her Saviour. May God continue to bless your family.
Bria, God not only used this time to teach your family, but to cause us to be on our knees in prayer for our sweet friends! Your testimony is powerful ... God is so faithful!
I also have been going through a very difficult time of late. But you know, it is often in the midst of extreme difficulties that we mature the most spiritually (at least it has been so for me). We are passing through the refiners fire, and although it never feels pleasant at the moment, we know that when He has tried us we shall come forth as gold!
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