PREPAREDNESS  

My son, Noah, is an Eagle Scout.  He has had “Be Prepared” ingrained into his very fiber so when an EF3 tornado ripped through a friend’s neighborhood in Little Rock on March 31, 2023, we jumped into action and he led the way. We were feeling an urgent need to get to Little Rock and help, but it seemed like it took forever to get things packed, to load the ATV on a trailer, and get the chainsaws ready.  He looked at me and said, “Mom we were in no way prepared.”

Those words hung with me the rest of the night.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable of 10 Virgins:

That parable always causes me to examine myself.  Am I prepared for what might happen? I feel that weight more profoundly as a single mom than ever before. I have many friends who are meteorologists.  As you might guess, I take physical preparedness for storms very seriously. It’s insanely important.

However, even more importantly we need to have plans and be ready for the many spiritual storms that this fallen world throws at us.  Spiritual preparedness needs to be at the forefront of our minds and conversations daily.

Am I prepared for the Lord?     Am I ready for the Lord’s work?  Then comes the stark reminder that I am living in a home with those that may not know the Lord.  I shouldn’t tarry because I believe.  I live in a world that is not prepared.  My children, my friends, my neighbors, and the stranger in the grocery isle.

I looked down at my dangling dead headlamp that was of no use and realized my son was right on many fronts.

MAKING A WAY

One of my dearest friends is married to a firefighter.  He spent much time clearing debris from the roads left in the wake of storm.  She paralleled Isaiah 40:3 with the clearing of the roads.

A voice cries: 
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; 
    make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 

Isaiah 40:3 

I can’t think of clearing debris from roads now without thinking of “Making a way for the Lord.”

Again, I was convicted of the many types of “debris” in my life that need to be cleared: screens, TV, religion, fear of man…. Well, a list of idols would be a long list to type, but you get my meaning.  Am I preparing a way for the Lord so that I can be focused and ready?

BEYOND DEVASTATION

Many know my story. On this day in 2014 I lost my husband and 2 of my children in an F4 tornado. I didn’t think there was life beyond devastation. Even as I type this, I feel like being a survivor somehow cheapens the life of Rob, Tori and Rebekah. I hate it.   More than anything I want them back. There is such a gaping hole in my life.

But as much as that storm destroyed my life…..it also cleared my path. The Lord stripped everything away. All the things of this world that I loved truly did become strangely dim.  Even through the years of trauma and grief, my gaze finally rested on the One from whom my hope comes.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. 
    From where does my help come? 

My help comes from the Lord, 
    who made heaven and earth. 

Psalm 121:1-2 

BEAUTY FROM ASHES

As the sun set that night in Little Rock, we found ourselves looking for ways to help those who had been impacted. Looking around, all that could be seen against the brilliant sunset was the ugly terrain of random splintered trees. It was getting dark (no electricity) and quiet with some droning of chainsaws.  It provided a vivid reminder of what sin can do to something that was once beautiful.  The consequences of sin can come quickly and leave irreparable damage.

But…….

The next day…….

I was at a loss for words.  There were people everywhere putting tarps on homes, nailing makeshift walls to destroyed structures, pulling wagons loaded with drinks and sandwiches to be given away, and even grills with people cooking.

People set up drink stops at random businesses.  I couldn’t even tell really who these efforts were for because everyone was mingling – the workers, the responders, the volunteers, police directing traffic, machine operators and those who had suffered the loss.  It was an incredible portrait of kindness and compassion.

I have little memory, but I can only imagine this is what it looked like in my community after the storm in 2014.

As a person who enjoys being alone and gets drained easily in crowds, I couldn’t deny that these people needed each other.  It was a reminder to me that we were not created to be alone.  Little Rock exemplified amazing brotherhood.

 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:10 

We get the phrase “Beauty from Ashes” from the book of Isaiah.  Isaiah speaks of beauty in a Hebrew language that can’t be translated to English.  It translates as a headdress or tiara.  The prophet says that in times of sorrow the Lord will replace the ashes on our head (that represent mourning) and replace it with a beautiful head covering!  Heads will be anointed with oil (representing celebration) and we will be responding in the garment of praise!  

What a beautiful picture!

to grant to those who mourn in Zion— 
    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, 
the oil of gladness instead of mourning, 
    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; 
that they may be called oaks of righteousness, 
    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
They shall build up the ancient ruins; 
    they shall raise up the former devastations; 
they shall repair the ruined cities, 
    the devastations of many generations.

Isaiah 61:3-4 

Tornadoes have certainly been a refining fire in my life. The lessons I’ve learned from them have been heart-rending, but though my circumstances haven’t changed my perspective and the joy set before me have.

I pray that you will also find that through the refining fires of your life, you are able to more clearly see the Savior’s loving face.