Praying for MOORE

I spent much of yesterday watching the news as I worked. I remember the moment the tornado came onto the screen. I sat and watched as it tore through the small town of Oklahoma. You could see the sparks fly when power lines went down and buildings were hit. It was clear from the debris coming out of the air the devastation would be tragic. But, it was not clear how tragic it actually was for the citizens of Moore.

I am from Texas and the fear of a tornado ripping through a town is something I experienced on more than one occasion. I know the drill – when you think a tornado is coming your way, get to the safest area of the house like a closet under the stairs, or the bathtub with a mattress covering your body. I have seen destruction from tornadoes tearing through Galveston and Houston when hurricanes passed overhead. However, I do not think I have ever seen destruction like what we are seeing in Moore. I can only imagine what the reality is in person.

I think of the children and teachers who used the drill to get into the hallway I practiced so often in elementary school.

I think of the teachers who understood how helpless they were when the walls began to rip away, but remained with their students to comfort them and likely used their bodies as a shield from blowing debris.

I think of the families who will identify their loved one who did not make it out of the rubble.

I think of our nation and how tragedy brings us together as Americans, if even for a moment.

I think of a God who knows our grief and will comfort those who are hurting.

We will most certainly get more news about Moore’s great loss throughout the day. We will try to help, but most Americans only have the ability to offer up prayers. But those prayers are so important.

In October we prayed for New Jersey and New York. In December we prayed for Newtown. In April we prayed for Boston and West. Our prayers did not go unnoticed by God, or the families affected by these tragedies.

Today we pray for Moore. 

Since I cannot get to Oklahoma to help, I will pray for MORE hope for survivors… MORE grace… MORE peace… MORE understanding… MORE strength… and MORE protection for the residents of MOORE and Oklahoma.

By SB

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