As unbelievable as the destruction is in Western Kentucky and surrounding areas, hearing the stories and seeing the tears of those whose lives have been so terribly affected is uncomparable. As a community, we are devastated and in shock.
This is grief. And there is no handbook to read. No list of rules or recommendations in conquering it. No bestselling books with quick life hacks to defeat it. No timeframe on how long it can last. It is a monster we each wrestle differently. So be patient with us as we walk this broken road.
As wonderful as the news organizations have been in showing what is happening in our part of the world, nothing compares to seeing it with your own eyes. And, as I type those words, I hope you never have to.
With great tragedy comes beautiful grace. Sunday morning, when my phone would barely receive texts, a family member from a thousand miles away was able to get through to share that she would be sending her Social Security check as soon as it arrives. She wants to bless a family she’s never met. “This is why we pray for people,” she said. Going on to say that prayer opens our hearts to loving others.
Later, a dear friend and his husband from Florida texted to let us know they loved us and would do anything they could.
Hollywood film distributors emailed my husband (who runs the local drive-in movie theater) to express their concerns and to let us know they are thinking of our area.
We are thankful that the world cares but please don’t leave us once the television vans move on to the next story.
Please don’t think God sends catastrophes upon people to get their attention. If you have been brought up with this theology, I invite you to spend time in the gospels. Every time Jesus encountered those in grief, his heart went out to them and he worked to make their life better. This is the mission of God. We are living in a broken world. And because of the brokenness, terrible things happen. However, God is near. He is serving food, distributing clothes, tarping roofs, moving debris, protecting and serving, and weeping as people pray over their neighbors. Every single person who is helping someone else is Jesus in disguise. You can have no goodness apart from God. He is love. And he is the hope that will get us through.
Continue to pray. Pray for the person in traffic who just cut you off, they may have lost everything. Pray for the person ranting on Facebook. They may be dealing with overwhelming depression. Pray for those who look, love, and live differently. Pray and then follow through those prayers with a love in action.
Do what you can where you are. Make a phone call, cook a dinner, buy a gift card, or offer a listening ear. Go out of your way to bless. Lift the burdens of your neighbors. Over tip. Out love. And never forget that we are not alone. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted. He is here.
Today, we are unable to wholeheartedly say that this is well with our soul. It isn’t. It may be someday but now we ask the Lord to help us continue on the journey so that one day we may be able to sing it together again.
Great destruction is no match for the goodness of God. Proving to us once again that we will get through even when sorrows like seabillows roll.