Christian Response to Yesterday's Storms: Pray, Do, Prepare

The super-cell spawned tornadoes of yesterday tore devastating holes in the State of Alabama, leaving over 125 confirmed fatalities.  As people wake up and walk around in the light of a new day, they will begin accessing the level of death and destruction and asking questions. 

Many people will ask why.  There is likely no definite answer to that question.  We can speculate and postulate, but GOD has not revealed everything to us.  We simply trust and continue in HIS love.  I believe a better question, particularly for Christians to answer, is "what now".

What can I do as a Christian?

Pray 

We are told to "pray without ceasing", to live in an attitude of prayer -- our communication link to GOD.  As a Christian this should be our first response (to all of life).  Pray for those who are experiencing grief.  Pray for those who have lost homes and jobs.  Pray for those involved in Rescue and Recovery.  Pray for individuals to be drawn closer to GOD and to each other.  Pray for healing, for love, for peace, and for direction.  Pray for GOD to grant you the wisdom to speak a "good word in due season", to open doors for you to share HIS love, and to direct you  to those that are hurting.

Do 

Practically demonstrate GOD's love to others.  Give to those who are in need.  Volunteer in your church and community.  Look out for the needs of those around you -- not just for yourself.  Support worthwhile disaster relief agencies (such as Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief, Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.).  Gain the knowledge and skills you need NOW, while there is time.  (Redeem the time, because the days are evil.)

Prepare 

Don't wait for a disaster to strike you and your family -- prepare for those events NOW.  Do not rely on government agencies to provide for your security and safety.  Take responsibility for your family's safety.  As much as First Responders may care and try, they cannot be everywhere at all times.  We are living in Perilous Times. 

Is there anything noticeably different in your life from the rest of the world?  The most basic preparation we all can make is Spiritual!  Where will you spend eternity?  Do you have a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST?  If we have prepared spiritually, then the Peace of GOD will rule in our hearts and minds no matter the "storms of life".

After securing our Spiritual (eternal) situation, then look at practical, tangible ways to prepare as GOD provides for your needs.  Do I have a "safe place" in my home in the event of severe weather?  Do I have emergency stores of water, food, shelter material, medicine, and other necessities to last for at least three days in the event I am cut off from supplies or have a prolonged power outage?  Do I have the knowledge and skills to adapt to emergency and post-disaster conditions?  Does my family have an Emergency Plan?  Does my family know what to do in the event of an emergency?  What if our family is separated and there is no communication -- what is our plan?

Use the time GOD has given you wisely.  Love HIM, love others.  Look and know the times, the seasons (spiritually and physically speaking).  Pray, Do, and Prepare!

Mountain Creek Hike after the Storms

Hike: Mountain Creek, Sat. 4/16/2011, 09:00-11:00
Distance: 4 miles   Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Beautiful day! Temp in 60s. Brisk wind. Ptly cloudy. 09:00-11:00
Thoughts/Observations:

Morning after fierce storms tore through Alabama.  Trails were wet and discharge in creek was near full.  Observed passarines, crow, & gray squirrel.  Fortunate to witness the courtship dance of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail! 

Had a brief (albeit exciting) encounter with 5 dogs!  Their masters had left them off-leash and they were a bit too aggressive.  Thankfully none got close enough to bite. 

I am thankful for the opportunity to get out in the wilds today.  I really needed it.  My schedule has been nothing if not hectic the last month.  Dad is recupperating from surgery nicely, though he is still in some pain.  I am conducting Larry McCord's funeral on Sunday.  Kathy has an appointment with the surgeon at UAB on this coming Tuesday.  And then the Spring Outage starts Easter Sunday.  Whew... Thank YOU, LORD, for YOUR peace in the midst of the storm.