Grief Bites: Finding Treasure In HardshipsSample

In 2013, the nation watched in heartache and horror as scenes of a major tornado in Moore, Oklahoma were played and replayed on the news. The aftermath was devastating. The morning of the tornado, people had no idea impending tragedy was about to rip their lives, families, homes, and towns apart later that day. Life was typical that morning. People went to work, children went to school, meetings at work took place. Many woke up, got ready, and had breakfast...having no idea they'd never see their home again. More heartbreakingly, some kissed their loved ones goodbye that morning and said, "I love you"...without realizing it would be the last time to see their loved one alive. In 39 minutes flat, the tornado caused billions of dollars in damage...costing 25 people their lives and 377 people were injured. The family and friends of the lives lost would forever be dramatically changed. In fact, every person who lived in Moore, OK...and the surrounding towns who also were affected...were all forever changed in an instant on that horrible day. Loss after a major natural disaster is horrendous. Tornadoes. Tsunamis. Lightening. Floods. Earthquakes. Hurricanes. Fires. Mudslides. Etc. Lives are lost, homes and businesses are destroyed, jobs are lost, disabilities occur. Belongings...and prized possessions such as photo albums, home videos, heirlooms, and sentimental gifts...are forever gone. Natural disasters leave devastating life changes for everyone affected. Every time I see videos and pictures of natural disasters, my heart breaks. It is devastating to see lives torn apart. I always pray for the people affected. When the news stations interview the families affected, my heart just sinks. The loved ones who passed away were somebody's child...somebody's spouse...somebody's parent...somebody's sibling...somebody's family member...somebody's friend. There are no easy answers. And there are very few words that can offer comfort. Anytime the earth goes crazy with natural disasters, there is sure to be pain, heartache, and incredible loss...and questions. How do you pick up the pieces of your life after a devastating loss or a catastrophe happens? How do you handle the grief, anguish, paranoia, fear, anxiety, worry, uneasiness, or PTSD that plagues you in the days, months, and years after the storm? How do you handle your feelings and questions when a disaster strikes...what about during and after a disaster strikes? How do you handle your feelings and questions about God...about life? How do you get through all of the devastation and loss? One. Step. At. A. Time. Minute by minute..then hour by hour..then day by day. The only way to get through a storm is to look up, cry out for help, then take steps of faith...even on the days you don't feel like it. We live in a world of utter loss. There are no easy answers. But we do serve a God who does not willingly bring grief to anyone. It is not God who is the source of devastation, it is always the enemy who causes horrendous heartache, devastation, and disasters. Cry out to God today and ask Him to help you repair the broken pieces of your heart and life.