In The Midst of the Storm

It's only been two days since the tornadoes hit OK. I am still shocked at the pictures and videos that I am seeing. It brings back memories of the tornadoes that hit AL a little over 2 years ago. I am so thankful that I

did not experience any direct loss and that no one in my family had any drastic damage to their homes. When you live in an area that gets storms like that, you prepare yourself. But it's completely different when you hear those sirens go off. I remember feeling completely helpless. I was 36 weeks pregnant and all I wanted to do was protect my unborn baby and I didn't know how to, except to pray. God truly answered my prayers. He protected my entire family.
As I look at the pictures of devastation from the storm two days ago, all I know to do now is to pray

for each and every person, across this country, that has been affected by this storm. I can't imagine what the families and friends of those lost are going through right now. My heart aches for the mommies who lost their babies. For the men who lost wives, and the women who lost their husbands. For the sisters and brothers lost. For the aunts and cousins and uncles and grandparents. For the children who lost a mommy or daddy.
I know it can be hard to look at the devastation, not just in OK, but worldwide and think 'how could God

do this?" But my insight is that He did not DO this but allowed it to happen. There is a difference. I don't just see lives and homes lost when I look at the pictures, I see people coming together, I see lives SAVED. How this storm didn't take more people is beyond me except for the fact that I know God had His hand in it. How many blessings can He hand out through all of this? How many people will be brought closer to Him because they saw His love through another person?
In the midst of the storm, do not lose sight of the Savior. He calmed the seas, do you not think that He would be able to protect you if you reach out to Him? He is waiting with His arms wide open. He will carry you

when you have no strength left to hold your head up, much less walk.
I ask, as you look at these pictures, that you pray for survivors and, if God puts it on your heart, that you donate to the Red Cross.