Surely we will see the goodness of God in the land of the living...

On Monday morning at 3:45 a.m., our family sat huddled in the basement under blankets and pillows praying out loud for the safety of our home and those of the families here in Birmingham. It was so, so hard to watch my children visibly trembling as they remembered the devastation caused by April's tornado. At 4:30, we realized that the tornado had passed and we had been so, so graciously spared - again.

Today was our first day out...as we drove out, a mile from our home looks like a war zone. The children just silently stared out the window, then Drew said, "Mom, it seems like this tornado was worse than April." It wasn't, but what was real to them was that it was so close to home. They knew those homes...we drove past trees with children's toys strewn in them like the tree was decorated for Christmas. Pictures don't do justice. Words can't describe. And yet...there is life. If you were to look at the devastation, you would think that no one survived. No one. We are so blessed that there were not more deaths. My heart grieves for the families who lost their homes and those who lost loved ones - please pray for them.

The people are reaching out, just as before. The streets are lined with cars of people helping with chainsaws and trucks hauling away debris. We know that the Lord will use it for "good"...not good meaning "happy, happy, joy, joy", but GOOD - usefulness, benefit, His glory. I have heard some of the victims of this tornado say, "Look up. It is sunny. God is good. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away." What an amazing testimony. May my heart be that in love with my Lord that I take whatever He brings my way.