It has been a little over 72 hours since the horrid tornado's swept through Alabama and many other surrounding states. I've thought alot about what I was going to write and how i would try to describe the feelings that we all have. I honestly believe that it is impossible to describe. I personally have not been to any of the hit areas (They are still not allowing volunteers to really come in yet. Many places they are still digging through the rubble to look for bodies.), but i have seen multitudes of pictures, videos, stories, and testimonies. We have all been glued to the news as they updated the death toll. Last i heard was for Alabama alone it was right around 300. 300 lives... gone. For me personally it doesn't seem fair. Not that this happened to my friends (Of course that part doesn't seem fair!), but that my house was untouched. Not a single tree down, the lights never flickered, and i still have perfectly clean water ( many parts of the state are having to biol their water if they even have water). It doesn't seem right. Within an hour each way of my home lives of thousands and thousands have been changed forever, yet my life could go on as normal. It isn't right. Moving on though, there is such a sadness in Alabama. Every where you go people are talking about it. Each one of us have friends, school mates, family, and neighbors who's lives will never be the same. At the same time though it is been absolutely amazing how our amazing state/country has pulled together to help out. Unless you are in Alabama you can not fathom the support, donations, love, sympathy, prayers, and just all around God's love that has been shown!! It is so deeply humbling. Companies on top of companies are just giving relentlessly. Power companies for all over the country are coming in. Volunteers from all over the country are just packing up and heading this way. Can i just say... THIS IS A GOD THING! Everyone seems to be giving something. It is utterly amazing. If you know much about football and Alabama you know how big the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is. Terrible crimes have been committed out of hate for the other team in the past. Although now they are coming together and as one as the body of Christ supporting the hurting. It is such a beautiful thing to watch. If you have fb check out http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Toomers-for-Tuscaloosa/127019264041188 It is a sight started by an Auburn fan to help the Alabama fans! It made me cry just reading everyone wanting to help out!
With all this said.... Please pray. Lives all over the state have literally been ripped apart. I know that I have many followers who are from out of state. Please first off pray for use, but also if you would like to send money I can without a doubt get it to the right place to help the victims. Also, there are many people making shirts and bracelets to help raise money for the victims. If you are interested in any of those please e-mail me at jennifer.rochester@charter.net. God is working and I truly believe HE will be glorified through this!! Below are some more pics (Not sure who took them), a few verses that we are all clinging to and a song that has been on my heart constantly!
JEN
This use to be Full Moon BBQ...
Utter devastation...
Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Nehemiah 8:10b Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
God of this City- By: Chris Tomlin
[Verse 1]
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are
[Verse 2]
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
To watch a video of it go to... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk
Finally the saying, "Quit telling God how big the storm is and began telling the storm how big your God is!"
Seeking the face of God...
JEN
5 comments:
this is so hard to believe that one day you're going about your life...the next...your world is completely turned upside down.
My heart goes out to these people for sure. It's neat to see the 2 rivals coming together during this. Seeing God through it all is a wonderful thing, even though it may be the hardest thing at times.
Great choice of verses.
Wow, my goodness. This reminds me of the floods in Australia we had in January, but much worse. Wow, those photos, I will be praying for you, I hope you can help loads! :/ Lovely saying.
God Be with you all,
Meggie
Praying
This is such an inspiring post. thank you for sharing your heart!
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