Let yourself be blessed....

    
Wednesday, April, 27, 2011, was horrible, there is no way around it. It still feels like a bad nightmare. I cannot believe the images. I keep saying ,that can't be our state. It looks like a movie. Hundreds of deaths, lost homes, displaced families, and businesses.  I don't know anyone who wasn't affected  by these storms in some way or another.
I have heard so many tragic stories, we all have. In the midst of all of it, however, I cannot believe the strength and good nature that so many people have shown. 
People everywhere are loading up, spending as much, or in some cases more, than they can afford to help these victims. No matter what I do, I don't feel like it will ever be enough.
I know nurses, at Children's Hospital who have had to help parents identify their children. I know students, kids, some family at Alabama who have recovered bodies. Images that they will never be able to get out of their heads.  This is not stuff they are seeing on television, these are things that they are experiencing up close and in person.
 I talked to a lady at an arts and crafts festival yesterday, who had lost her business in Tuscaloosa.  She spent Thursday and Friday, making as many crafts as she could so that she could still occupy her booth!! On top of that, she brought a case of water to donate to the victims!!
My niece, who is a senior at the University, lives seconds from where the brunt of the destruction took place. I would have begged my daddy to 'come get me!' But not this remarkable young lady, she borrowed deoderant and a toothbrush, and went to the command center to help. As a matter of fact, she told her dad to stay home!!
I talked to a young man yesterday, who had lost so many of his friends, and still hasn't heard from others, who was going BACK to Tuscaloosa this week to volunteer.
A very good friend of mine, spent over $200, without a thought, buying clothing , diapers, wipes, and toys to help these victims! This wasn't easy for her, financially, but she did it.
And I am sure, most people have heard of the "toomers for tuscaloosa" group. They are doing amazing things.
My family and I are so blessed. This storm, which went for hundreds of miles, without lifting off of the ground, skipped about a 3 mile path, then landed north. This path that is skipped, was the town I live in. We are truley blessed.

The purple line in the middle is the path of the Tuscaloosa tornado.
The break in the line, is the area that my family and I live.

So before you complain about your life, think of these people. Think of how blessed you are just to be alive. Buildings can be rebuilt. Power will eventually be turned back on. But family and friends cannot be replaced. For those of us who made it through unscathed, God has allowed us to be blessed, so let Him. He blessed us, so that we can be there, to help Him bless the others.