Standing Strong in the Storm

I lived through my first Tornado experience.  Our apartment community experienced some significant damage, but not compared to the total devastation of nearby towns that were leveled. All but a few of my neighbors have been blessed to remain in our homes and have power, and other than the unbelievable amount of debris and downed trees, we are doing well.

The initial siren warnings at 2:00 AM led me and Kippy to take shelter in our bathtub and wait it out. I knew it would pass but in those few moments I had no idea what to expect next other than what live weather stream was reporting. It was growing stronger and more dangerous as it approached our area, having left massive destruction in a nearby town just minutes before. The rain and hail became intense. Suddenly I had a weird sensation, like being underwater, when the barometric pressure dropped. And then bam! The sound of the 100+ mph tornadic wind was more than I could have imagined or want to experience ever again! Along with loud crashes of debris hitting our building, trees cracking, and baseball-sized hail hitting the windows. The shaking and moving of our building felt like we were on a huge, scary roller coaster! And then it passed over us, but grew in intensity as it descended on Rogers just minutes away. The storm was over for us, but continued on causing massive destruction for miles.

Some of the neighbors came out from our apartments as the rain stopped, it was dark, but the damage was visible. Car alarms had been going off, but were silent now. We were just beginning to realize the impact of the storm. As we woke in the morning or hadn’t slept, neighbors were out checking on each other, clearing debris off of cars, and simply standing still, looking at the destruction around us, somewhat in shock. But standing we were!

Twenty-four hours later, I ventured out beyond our apartment community, crossing the road as I have many times before to Memorial Park, one of Ken’s favorite places to walk and have fun with the family, where I placed his memorial bench a few years ago. But instead of being met by lush trees and landscape, it looked like trees had been pulled up from the earth. Some had their branches twisted and broken; many hurled far from the tree they had been attached to for many years. There was so much destruction, but some trees still stood strong.

I wanted to visit Ken’s bench; although he was not here with me to experience this storm, I have often been reminded of how God blessed me through Ken to face and endure storms in life when we were together and now on my own. Maneuvering through numerous broken trees, limbs, and debris, I could no longer stay on the regular path as it was completely blocked. The huge Osage Orange tree that had stood just yards from Ken’s bench completely blocked the path and view beyond it. But determined as I was, I made my way around safely and was not at all surprised to see his bench untouched, unaffected, with brokenness all around, standing strong in the storm as it were. As I sat on the bench, I prayed and thanked God for helping me to stand strong in the storms of life. I am so thankful for Ken’s part in my life then and now.

Walking past Ken’s bench, I was on the other side of the path and could see from the distance what was and is now. I was reminded of Ken’s strength of character, his love for me and others, and most importantly, his passion for God, which remains the same; just like that bench sitting there, he will never change. The memories of him will not change. My life will go on. I will continue to experience storms, fractures, and brokenness along with joy and new adventures. But seeing Ken’s bench standing strong through the storm encouraged me that God is and will always be with me through any storm.

I pray for so many who have lost loved ones, homes, and so much more. For many who are facing massive cleanup and significant changes to their lifestyle. And  I’m praying for the countless service workers cleaning up and repairing power lines, keeping our water safe, clearing roadways, working long, and extra hours in healthcare settings attending emergencies as our first responders and keeping us all safe. And praying for those who do not venture out much at all, that they would experience and feel the love or Jesus. 

May I encourage you that whatever storm you are facing or living in, God‘s love never changes. He is with you in the center of it and is untouched, and even if we’re swirling around in the storm, he is with us. He is our firm foundation. 

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During the initial massive storm of my life, shortly after Ken had died, I heard this song “Firm Foundation, He Won’t” in worship service. I could hardly breathe through it; the words touched my heart in a deep and meaningful way, reminding me of God’s presence and help in my life. After about a year, I was suddenly able to sing this portion without tears streaming or trying to catch my breath. I am standing strong in the storm, thanks to Jesus Christ.

Rain came and wind blew
My house was built on You
I’m safe with You
I’m gonna make it through
(see full lyrics below)
lyrics “Firm Foundation”

“Firm Foundation, He Won’t” by Cody Canes
Listen on Youtube

I am praying for you as I finish this blog tonight. May you find strength through Christ to stand strong in the storm you are facing and know how much God loves you.

Thank you for sharing in my journey, I appreciate you,

Pati