A Time of Hope!

I get discouraged sometimes. Times are often rough - not just for me, but for all people. I won't lie. I have gotten mad at God before. During those tough times the last thing on my mind was to praise the Lord.

One of those tough times in life happened the other day. Not for me, however, but for many folks around me it was a devastating day. Two such folks were a friend from church, Rebecca, and her daughter, Josie. Their home was hit by, not one, but two tornados. Below, are a few pictures of what was left standing.

After the storm, Rebecca had every right to be mad at the Lord. Her loss was so much greater than my stubbed toe or lost car keys. However, instead of anger, Rebecca displayed faith.

Just to give you an example of Rebecca's faith, someone gave a testimony that, while cleaning up the rubble, Rebecca was singing and praying praises to the Lord. Between the praise songs she was thanking the Lord for neighbors who came and took her to a place of safety; that her daughter was safe and sound at a friends house when the storm hit; for church family that came to help her during the clean up.

Rebecca realizes that things are just that - "things". They can be replaced. She knows what really counts in life and collecting "things" and trying to "keep up with the Jones'" is not it. It's our relationship with Christ that really counts. She knows that if we seek God's kingdom first then everything else will fall into place.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33