Although a minority do, the majority of people on CC don't realize that I live near the area of Joplin Missouri where a devestating tornado hit Sunday evening. With seeing the destruction caused by the tornado in Joplin and surrounding areas, I have recently began to marvel at the power of a tornado. Growing up on the edge of Tornado Alley, I have become accustomed to severe storms and even tornados, but still have not seen anything so bad in this area as the one that hit Joplin.
While driving in an area not far from Joplin, you could see the damage caused by the storm before it actually reached Joplin. This included trees being uprooted, telephone poles being snapped like toothpicks, the rooves of houses and other buildings that had been peeled back like a lid.
Along with these sightings I heard stories of other things that happened during this tornado. One was of a family whose house had been completely destoryed, but their car had been left in the driveway nearly untouched by the storm. I heard another story of how aluminum cans had been taken from a trash can and left in the owner's yard, yet the trash can was also left untouched.
While thinking about how terrifying and humbling it was to see that we have absolutely no control of what happens during a storm like this, I continued to marvel at the power behind it. I began to realize that storms like this are just one of the ways God is telling us that we have no power over what happens. Even though we consider ourselves one of the most intelligent species on earth, humans are nothing compared to the power of God's creation. It's almost as if He's just saying, "Look at what I can do. I have the power, and I deserve the worship and glory."
Even so, it is still a terrible thing that so many lost lives and homes to this storm. It was a great thing to see how people have banded together though. While driving through Joplin yesterday, I could see someone set up in a parking lot or on a street corner every couple of blocks. They were offering food, tents to rest in, first aid, and other necessities. There were businesses giving services for free, including free first aide supplies and tire repair. There were also 2 local high school whose graduating classes gave nearly a combines 20,000 of money they had raised for other things to help with the relief aide.
Not only were churches, shelters, and other public buildings opening their doors for people to have a place to eat, shower, and rest, but some individuals were also opening up their homes nad hearts to the victims of this distaster. Even with the devestation, it seems like there has been some good to come out of the storm. People have been able to stop thinking about themselves and what they need to do for a moment, and look at the big picture. They were able to show love to one another, and trust in God that things will turn out ok.
While driving in an area not far from Joplin, you could see the damage caused by the storm before it actually reached Joplin. This included trees being uprooted, telephone poles being snapped like toothpicks, the rooves of houses and other buildings that had been peeled back like a lid.
Along with these sightings I heard stories of other things that happened during this tornado. One was of a family whose house had been completely destoryed, but their car had been left in the driveway nearly untouched by the storm. I heard another story of how aluminum cans had been taken from a trash can and left in the owner's yard, yet the trash can was also left untouched.
While thinking about how terrifying and humbling it was to see that we have absolutely no control of what happens during a storm like this, I continued to marvel at the power behind it. I began to realize that storms like this are just one of the ways God is telling us that we have no power over what happens. Even though we consider ourselves one of the most intelligent species on earth, humans are nothing compared to the power of God's creation. It's almost as if He's just saying, "Look at what I can do. I have the power, and I deserve the worship and glory."
Even so, it is still a terrible thing that so many lost lives and homes to this storm. It was a great thing to see how people have banded together though. While driving through Joplin yesterday, I could see someone set up in a parking lot or on a street corner every couple of blocks. They were offering food, tents to rest in, first aid, and other necessities. There were businesses giving services for free, including free first aide supplies and tire repair. There were also 2 local high school whose graduating classes gave nearly a combines 20,000 of money they had raised for other things to help with the relief aide.
Not only were churches, shelters, and other public buildings opening their doors for people to have a place to eat, shower, and rest, but some individuals were also opening up their homes nad hearts to the victims of this distaster. Even with the devestation, it seems like there has been some good to come out of the storm. People have been able to stop thinking about themselves and what they need to do for a moment, and look at the big picture. They were able to show love to one another, and trust in God that things will turn out ok.
