Could it be this still and peaceful the day after storms wreaked havoc across Oklahoma? The sun was shining and I could hear the birds chirping. I spied a fat Robin sitting in my bird bath, which overflowed with several days of relentless rain.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”—Psalm 46:1 (NIV).
Tornado sirens had blasted their warnings, not once, but twice the previous night. Since I’d experienced a tornado’s destruction three years ago, I take precautions, preparing for the possibility of one tearing across our corner of northeastern Oklahoma again. It’s exhausting. It’s nerve-wracking, to say the least.
Prayers flowed from my lips as I watched weather reports of one tornado after another being spotted by storm chasers and on live radar. Friends and family members were calling and texting to check on me. Others were posting prayers for me on Facebook.
Prayers Can Calm the Storms Within
Knowing I was covered in prayer, my heart wasn’t racing like a runaway train as it usually does at the sound of the sirens. My own prayers weren’t just for my safety but for everyone in the path of the deadly storms: family, friends and strangers.
Because of excessive rain over the previous few weeks, we were also under a flood warning. My phone kept pinging with warnings of hail, heavy rain and flooding as well as the impending possibility of tornadoes. It was overwhelming.
I realized, however, that when I didn’t focus on my own fear, but instead, focused on others, my fear lessened. My thoughts turned to two men I’d encountered earlier in the week.
Keeping Our Focus on Others
While running errands two days earlier, I spotted two men in separate areas of a store’s parking lot. Each was holding a handmade cardboard sign. The words “homeless” and “hungry” printed in bold black block letters grabbed my attention.
At first, I ignored the niggling thought that I needed to do something. The Holy Spirit was nudging me. “But, God,” I said, “they’ll probably spend money on liquor, drugs or alcohol.”
I drove off, passing several fast food restaurants as I headed home. Again, that still, small voice badgered me. “Feed them.”
Listening to the Holy Spirit
Ruling out fast food, I pulled into a grocery store near my home. Grabbing a cart, I loaded it with two of each: freshly made sandwiches, bags of potato chips, fresh fruit, bakery cookies and bottled water.
Reaching the express check-out, I asked the employee to divide the items into two bags. As she rang up my purchases, I spied small bags of peanuts on sale. I grabbed four and tossed them on the counter.
Upon returning to the site where I’d encountered the two men, I could only find one still sitting on the curb with his small sign, now dangling from his hands, as if he’d given up.
Never Give Up Hope During the Storms
Rolling down my window, I didn’t have time to speak before the man stood and approached my car. As I handed him one of the bags, I asked if he knew the other man who’d also been seeking help. He did.
Reaching out, I handed him the other bag, asking him to deliver it to the other man. He replied, “Yes ma’am, and may God bless you.”
Driving away, I watched as he scurried across the parking lot to find his friend. My heart was lighter because I’d wondered if he would share.
Sharing our Trials in the Storms
While huddled underneath blankets and pillows during the tornado warnings, my thoughts turned to these two men. I wondered if they were safe.
Two days had passed since I’d thought of them. But I smiled, not because I’d fed them, but because I knew I’d done the right thing. We are asked to help in times of trouble.
As the storm recovery continues—with neighbors helping neighbors, I recall this scripture, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40).
Glad you are safe, Carol. We lived for a year doing some mission training work in Tulsa, OK. And in only 12 short months it was even hard for me to get used to the sirens and what each meant, tornado or flood. Now, back in East TN, we also sometimes have tornado warnings, but none have been as severe and devastating as those in tornado alley. Love your story of the two men. The same thing happens to me often. My husband always cautions me that if I’m worried about “what” money would be spent on, to always just… Read more »
Thanks for stopping by my blog, Karen. Living in tornado alley can put you on edge when it is the season. We had three warnings last week. One dropped down less than 10 miles from me. It destroyed several homes, including those of some of my former students. One of my former students also died of a heart attack (age 53) while she and her family were running to their shelter. Since I’ve had a tornado hit my home, while I was in it three years ago, I have a difficult time remaining peaceful when I know we are under… Read more »
What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Thanks for being a good role model for us when we find ourselves in similar circumstances. I’ll remember what you did. I’m so sorry for the loss of your former student. That’s so sad. My son and his family live in MO so we do a lot of praying for all of you who face tornado threats.
Thank you for your response to my blog post, Linda. I also appreciate your prayers. Three years ago, a tornado hit my house while my dog and I sheltered in the closet. Once you experience a tornado, it sure makes you nervous when you are under a watch or warning. We had three warnings in northeastern OK last week. We are expecting more wicked weather tonight and tomorrow.
I need to make this verse mine daily. Oklahoma weather has certainly been challenging this spring. I love the grocery store idea. I’ve changed churches so I no longer carry blessing bags that my SS class prepared. I must make some for myself. Love & praying for you & your location in the flooding & storms 🙏
Thank you, Nancy! I will be so glad when this stormy season is over. This unprecedented storms and flooding across our state is almost unbelievable. So sad!! I lost a former student who had a heart attack last week while she and her family were running to their storm shelter. The tornado touched down in their neighborhood, destroying several homes just outside of Jay and about 10 miles from me. It was classified as an EF-2 tornado. I was headed to Grove, but veered to the east toward Missouri.
Carol in my Life Group at church I once asked if we were supposed to give money to those men that we see standing by the side of the road with signs asking for help. My teacher told me that her daughter keeps small sacks in the car for the times she sees people by the side of the road. The sacks have snacks like peanut butter crackers, packs of peanuts and snacks that are non perishable. When the daughter sees someone she has her children or grand children give the people the sacks as a teachable moment. Some have… Read more »
Thanks for the idea, Barbara! I am going to do that. I appreciate you!
Very touching. Thank you!
Thank you, Christy! God bless you and yours, always!
I love this! Very moving. It gave me goosebumps!
God is at work everywhere!
Jesus shines through you, Sister! The Holy Spirit
spoke, and you fulfilled his desires.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you, Kim. I try to obey the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, I fail. Love you, my friend!