I’ve spent the last several days in sad place – I see the damage, hear the stories and learn of the losses that are all around. Seems the local greeting has gone from ‘how’re y’all?” to “Is everyone okay? Did y’all have any damage?'” And the more I ask, the less I want to know. I want to roll back the clock to Tuesday before tornadoes torn through Alabama and forever changed the landscape – and our hearts.
This cloud of sadness was smothering me – and it still wells up from time to time and then I think about those around me who’ve lost everything. I can’t begin to imagine the shock, the sadness,, the grief – but they can’t stop and whine about what to do (like I seem to be doing), they have to push through. The damage is reality. It is the reality of so many, but not me. I was just sad – and the sadness paralyzed me.
And then I starting writing about it. Some I’ve shared here and some is just for me. I’ve prayed and begged God to show we where and how to be His hands and feet to those impacted. And in those quiet moments with Him, He reminded me just who I am in Him. I’m not a shrinking violet, stand-in-the-corner-and-wait-girl. I’m a grab your boots and let’s go girl!
So I’m grabbing my pink high top hiking boots (closest thing I own to work boots) and setting out to find a place to serve! I am asking for BIG stuff – I am calling in all manner of favors. So if you know me, don’t be surprised if I ask for something. I’m just being big and bold for those who lost so much!
There are needs EVERYWHERE! And there are stories of hope among the stories of loss. Those are the stories I want to share here and everywhere. God is in control and not one wisp of wind took Him by surprise. Why did He allow this storm? I don’t know and I don’t understand, but I do know this – He is God and I am not. He is my Hope and my refuge.
God is Hope – not the wishful thinking stuff, but the HOPE of tomorrow. He is the rock on which I stand and the foundation of my life. It’s in this HOPE that I find peace and joy. And I pray this for every person impacted by this storm – May we ALL ABOUND in HOPE!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)
Ways to help:
Alabama Possible (list of needs – from volunteers needed to supplies and everything in between)
God bless you Mary. God bless the precious people of Alabama as you all begin the road of recovery. Love ya, girl.
You go Girl you amaze me and I am praying for you and I wish I could come right along side you and be there and help you each step of the way in cleaning up or whatever GOD is calling you do. But I will be praying for you as you serve and thank you for being faithful to the calling GOD has on your life. Keep us posted on things.
Love You
Carol
P.S I am proud to call you my friend and my sister
You GO girl! Be the hands, feet, and arms of Jesus.
Love you!
T
Dear Mary,
Bless you as you go in His name. May I tell you that we had a house fire many years ago now. I believe people will remember the hugs, the prayers, your tears for them and your presence. The people to whom you minster, even with a bottle of water or a packet of tissues, will lock those treasures where they can never be destroyed. And it will be a balm to their souls.
Elaine
Oh, Mary!!! I love the truth God gave you. You are not a shrinking violet. You are a PINK Gerber Daisy!!
I needed that reminder today. I’m so glad He broke through your paralyzing sadness and told you to go and be the answer to so many who are asking- Where was GOD?
He is there!! He is in YOU. He is our hope!!! I don’t understand His ways but I do trust His heart. He’s all we have.
We’d love to send gift cards or a donation for you to buy supplies since we are so far away and baby girl makes it hard to do missions trips but oh how I would love to get me some pink boots and come help. If God makes a way, I will come.
Love yoU!
Renee
Mary – what a great post. You’re a fine writer and I love the genuineness of your heart and that you said “not one wisp of wind took Him by surprise!” Amen sister.
May God bless and restore my neighboring state, ALABAMA! May He use you and I thank you for being bold in your asking Him for big things. He is a MIGHTY BIG GOD!
Love you,
G.J. Georgia Jan 🙂