When Tornadoes Happen

Our area was recently struck by a F2 tornado that wreaked havoc in several of our communities. Homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged. Lives have been displaced and there have been some injuries, but by the Grace of God no deaths.  It has been said that this tornado was a historical event, a once in a lifetime experience. I grew up in a home on Timberlake Road not far from all of the destruction. My father told me when I was a little child that we didn’t have tornados in this area because the mountains would protect us. Maybe this is the reason why my connection and love for the mountains has is so deeply rooted. It seems the unthinkable has happened and I must ponder some on the fragility of life.

In my work as a Relief Chaplain for the area hospitals and as a Pastoral Associate here at Lynchburg College, I am often with people when they face the unthinkable. When life uproots them from their safe and secure places. I am always challenged by the need to fix whatever discomforts them with words of comfort and advice rather than just listening to the sadness. I once attended a conference on working with people affected by a disaster, and I will never forget the image shown to us about the best way to be with people who are hurting from great loss. The picture was of a puppy with huge ears and a tiny little mouth. So I try to just listen and say very little. Being present and offering help can be so healing.

I have looked at the videos and photographs of the tornado and witnessed firsthand the destruction and have been so moved by the love and concern I have seen by neighbors helping neighbors, friends and family showing up to remove debris or lend a hand. One of the businesses that is especially close to my heart was greatly damaged. I went by yesterday and witnessed firsthand the love and comfort of friends, family, customers and first responders. Disasters can catch us by surprise and wreak havoc on our lives, but it seems it is then that we experience how truly good people are in our community. Love always seems to triumph.