photo © 2010 Mike McCune | more info (via: Wylio)A lady commented to me the other day that she was amazed with the number of story ideas God gave me. I appreciate her comment, and it is true ideas often come as inspiration, giving me no place to point and say that's where this book began. Other ideas, however, come from something that is very easily recognized. Building Amanda's Future began several years ago when a tornado swept through a small town only 25 miles from where I live.
As I described in Building Amanda's Future, the sky over our home was nearly cloudless while first one tornado and then another swept through this town, leveling homes and businesses, lifting, breaking, and dropping debris in a wide path from the west edge of town to the east edge. We marveled that such a thing could happen.
This spring, just a couple of months ago, another tornado touched down and traveled in a wide path through Joplin, Missouri, a small city located on Route 66. A large hospital in the southwest part of town was severely damage, many home and businesses were destroyed while the funnel traveled at only ten miles an hour through this populated area.
The amazing thing when something like this happens is the reaction of the people. So many people are homeless in Joplin now, but others have opened their doors to provide a place for those without. Groups all over the area as far as two hundred miles away quickly organized collection places to help provide water, blankets, clothing, diapers, and so many things to be taken to Joplin within those first few days as thunderstorms and rain continue to pound the crippled town. Clean-up crews still work, giving without taking. And groups are still sending needed supplies.
One minister, whose church was damaged, told of many kindnesses offered by the local people even before the shock of the storm had passed. many more acts of benevolence continue as the need is still there.
When I wrote Building Amanda's Future, my only experience with a town suffering so much damage was the first one I mentioned. I hope to never again see the results of another tornado. However, in both instances, the loving concern of those who have great empathy for their fellowman is an example to us all. How wonderful to know that those in a community and even in surrounding communities will reach out in love and sympathy to "Bear ye another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
Question of the Day
Has your community ever experienced a natural disaster?
Never on the scale of Joplin or New Orleans, though growing up in central Kansas we had our share of tornados.
ReplyDeleteWhen disasters like this strike, and God's people respond with compassion and help, I'm reminded of how God makes beauty out of ashes.
Building Amanda's Future looks like such a good read!
I was in Ardmore, Oklahoma when another tornado hit during this year's tornado season, and we had to evacuate to the local school disaster shelter. So yes, the community of Armore did experience a tornado warning. Thank the Lord, it went around the city. I'm reading Mildred's Building Amanda's Future now and can certainly relate to the tornado disaster in the story. June Foster
ReplyDeleteErica, I hope to never experience anything of this nature. We heard immediately about Joplin and it was hard to believe, but so heartwarming when the people responded the way they did.
ReplyDeleteJune, I think you are talking about the same storms in Ardmore that moved on to hit Joplin. If not the same night, within a day or so. I'm glad your community was spared.
Mildred
Yep, Hurricane Katrina. We were without power for 16 days.It was so hot and the love bugs were everywhere!
ReplyDelete