Tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma.  Pure devastation for miles to see. People’s lives in utter chaos and disarray.  Heart-breaking and gut-wrenching photos and video, streaming live throughout the world. Reporters losing their emotional battle while attempting to bring us the horrific story.  Instantly, lives were changed and we all felt the impact.

Yet, in their darkest hour, the citizens of Moore showed amazing courage, strength, hope, love, and compassion. With every dramatic scene; another story of heroism emerged. Neighbors, strangers, and first-responders, frantically searching for anyone that might be held prisoner under the rubble. Hoping and praying that one more person would be pulled from the rubble alive.

None of the people interviewed were looking for fame.  None of them realized how much their simple words could impact us deeply.  Two such stories captured the very essence of heroism, hope, and encouragement.  Let’s hear it from their perspectives.

There was a man who raced to the school.  He explained that as they were moving rubble to search for survivors, they came across a teacher who had flung herself onto the children.  She did everything in her power to shield her most precious possessions.

With tears streaming down his face, the man’s statement said it all…“Way to go teach.”

Countless stories of how teachers kept calm, had the children praying loudly, and how they used their own bodies as shields have come to light.  Their selfless acts saved many lives and testifies to the true meaning of “No one has greater love than to lay down his own life for another.” (John 15:13)

Hour by hour, interviews captured the true sense of the community who was grateful to God for being alive.  One such interview was with an older gentleman.  His high-spirited attitude along with his profound words were breath-taking.

Standing in front of a massive heap of debris that used to be his home; he proudly stated to the world…”I knew my maker and I had hope in Him.  God protected my wife and I. Over the course of the years, we accumulated a lot of stuff. We are alive and everything else can be rebuilt. We get to start over.”

Like so many others, these heroes showed true courage, hope and faith while facing the horrifying losses. We should honor them all and allow their amazing testaments seep deep within our beings.

Life is the most precious commodity and everything else can be rebuilt.  So today, no matter what you face, allow your light to shine brightly upon others .  Because in the midst of all your chaos, “The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble.” (Nahum 1:7)

Many wonderful organizations are already on site in Oklahoma and are listed below.   If you would like to donate, just click on the link for direct access to their secured website.  No matter how big or small, every bit helps when placed in the hand of the Lord.

Helping Oklahoma and Other Areas