My husband and i live in Florida but my husband has two houses in South Carolina. His daughter and her family live in one and he is building another house a lot away from them. He has dreamt of building a house for many years and finally set out on his adventure about 4 years ago. He always says that he wants to retire in South Carolina because it is calm and quieter there, less traffic, people are nice, and you don’t have to deal with hurricanes! Unfortunately, on September 26, 2024, hurricane Helene hit the Carolinas as a catastrophic tropical cyclone and tornadoes that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
The pictures and stories of the devastation and loss were heartbreaking to watch and listen to. Tears well up in my eyes every time I see or hear the news. I haven’t stopped praying for those poor unfortunate people.
My husband and his family were safe, thank God, however a 100-foot tree from the next lot over fell into our yard which damaged our roof, demolished the front porch and some kitchen wall damage. The family was frightened but safe and without electricity for two weeks or more.
Then on October 10th Florida was hit with hurricane Milton who brought multiple tornadoes with him that did more destruction and damage here and in other areas that were previously hit by Helene. These weather disturbances were too close to home for me. The tornadoes ravished many homes, property and lives close to my home and some of my friends were affected as well.
I was prepared for Milton with food, water and shutters which I didn’t really need but better to have and not need than to need and not have. I was equipped in the physical realm and was gearing up with prayer and scriptures for my emotional and spiritual realm.
I really felt the presence of God with me all day and all night through the storm. I couldn’t sleep a wink with the wind violently rattling the shutters, I would have been better I think, without them. The thought of the tornadoes kept me on guard though. I kept praying that God would protect my home as well as many others, but even if I sustained damage, I reminded myself that God would provide for mom and I and our home. He would supply all our needs, and He would prepare a safe place for us. When I felt fear creeping into my spirit and mind, I started reciting my favorite scriptures that released peace into my heart. I surrendered everything and everyone over to God and knew that He was still in control even though the tornadoes were out of control.
I had to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not unto my own understanding and acknowledge Him in all my ways. I was determined to not have a spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind. The scriptures reminded me that God was my refuge and strength a very present help in this time of trouble. The bible commands me not to fear or be dismayed, for God is my strength and He will hold me in His hands. I listened to prayers on You Tube that brought me comfort and restored peace to my mind when the winds increased in strength and speed.
I’m sure many others were doing the same as I was, yet some of them may still have sustained mild to catastrophic damage. I have compassion for them and pray for them often. I don’t understand tornadoes and how or why they strike one house and not the next. They are very powerful and frightening and unpredictable. I don’t know why God allows tragedy to happen to one neighbor and not the next, one business and not the other, one family and not those right next door. I don't know why God answers prayers for one person just as they request and then another’s prayers are not answered as they hoped. Why does one person get healed and yet another passes on into eternity, both prayed. It may seem like God is out of control but that is impossible.
All I know is that God’s ways and timing are not our ways. He is unpredictable at times, but I know God is with us in all situations and He has good times in store for us. He will walk with us even in the valley of the shadow of death or in the eye of a hurricane or in the funnel of a tornado. God never leaves us, and He holds us in the palm of His hands. He doesn't love one of us more than another. We don't have to work to get Him to love us; He just does. God cares about all of us equally. I pray that those who have been affected by these storms will see firsthand the power and love of God in many practical and miraculous ways. God is seen in this world when men and women join together to help those in need, as they become the hands and feet of Jesus. I am thankful to be a member of a couple of churches that believe in assisting those who are experiencing tragedy with food, finances, and clean-up help wherever needed, as well as spiritual assistance and prayer. We don't just actively pray for the hurting, but we actively offer assistance, support, and restoration.
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