In the path of a Tornado

I don’t know how many of you have ever witnessed the power of a tornado in person before.

As of today, I have yet to personally see the outcome of the winds on homes. I’ve seen pictures mind you, but never witnessed the carnage with my own eyes. I have never walked over a cement slab knowing that it used to be a living room. I’ve never seen a bathtub stuck in a tree or a bass boat wrapped around one. I haven’t hugged someone who sat in the closet while their home literally fell apart around them. I have never used my weekend to throw on some old clothes, drive an hour, and proceed to get dirty while helping a neighbor. I’ve never tediously picked up insulation that had been sprayed through the trees and bushes. I’ve never seen the face of devastation on a homeowner… who is no longer a homeowner.

I have never taken the time to volunteer in the wake of this type of destruction. It’s not because I don’t want to help- I guess I’ve always been removed from the situation. I can easily seperate myself from the reality of it.

Last week a string of storms ravaged Arkansas on its way through the south east. One town, less than 2 hours away, was drastically altered. At this point in my life I’m used to hearing about tornadoes and storms that damage cities. I’ve seen the pictures on the news. I’ve read about the stories in the paper. What was different about this past Sunday? I was in the middle of an outpouring. Almost 1,000 Harding students rallying together to help those who need it. College age kids giving up their weekend to get dirty for the benefit of people they’ve never met. It was amazing to see.

I found this video on YouTube this morning… and although the music choice is a little odd, I thought it would be fitting to show you how some humble students reached out. I’m blessed to be able to witness the love of Christ.

~ by hulogan on February 12, 2008.