Shelter In the Storm

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty."  Psalms 91:1

One of the most rewarding experiences of the past week (and there have been many) has been the opportunity to help families and children who were displaced by the storm find temporary housing.  So many families escaped from closets, storm shelters, basements and cellars to walk into a nightmare.  In a matter of a few terrifying seconds, the storms of April 27 ripped through wood, bricks and steel, leveling entire neighborhoods and destroying property all over Limestone County and the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

In those first few hours and days, story after story about lives spared or only one closet still standing in a house were passed around the community.  Families were thankful for God's hand of protection over their lives.  However, soon the reality set in that they were now, impossibly, homeless.  Many of these new homeless families have moved in with relatives or friends, some took refuge in a hotel room, while still others struggled to rest on a cot in a makeshift shelter.  Some slept for a few nights in a tent in their former yard, while still others slept in their cars. 

We at Central are so proud to have worked with different teams of volunteers to help place families in temporary housing.  As of this posting, all the children in the Athens City School system who were displaced by the storm are now sleeping in a safe place.  As I was relaying this story to a friend today, she asked, "Where did you find all those rental houses?"  My answer--God found them!  Technology has been a wonderful tool for good over the past few days.  When we discovered a need, our volunteers instantly sent out text message blasts, we posted a need on Facebook, listed the need on this blog, or simply worked the phones, calling everyone in our respective networks to find available housing.  Within a few hours, in some cases minutes, we would receive answers to our requests.  God has answered many prayers with Facebook postings this week!

Another blessing has been to see how Central volunteers have worked with volunteers from other organizations to secure property, furniture, and even toys for these families and children.  Teachers, administrators, room Moms, and strangers, all tirelessly worked together to clean rental houses, set up furniture, hang blinds, make beds, stock pantries, buy new toys and bicycles, and even find washers and dryers to create a new home for these families who have suffered so much tragedy.  What a blessing for that family to walk into a clean and furnished home and to be able to rest in a bed lovingly made by a stranger who only wants the best for them!

So many of you have been so kind to send us monetary donations, and we sincerely appreciate your generosity.  We have been able to instantly use that money to bless these families, paying for security deposits, utility hook ups, first and second months' rent, etc.  We are also so thankful to all of you who have donated furniture, appliances, kitchen essentials, and even linens, pillows and blankets.  These resources have quickly gone to these families in their "new" homes, and we couldn't have done it without working together with so many in our community.  As many of you know, it takes weeks for insurance or FEMA to come through with payouts for storm victims, and your generosity has made it possible for us to alleviate that financial stress and strain and just take care of these families in their time of need.

As we were out driving and handing out food and supplies to storm victims the weekend after the storm, I started crying.  My 9-year-old son asked me what was wrong.  I told him that I was so thankful we were all safe, and it made me so sad to see so many homes lost, in some cases just a few blocks away from where we live.  He said, "Mommy, sticks and bricks don't make homes.  It's the people who live inside who make it home."  He was so right and so wise in his comforting words to me, and we are praying blesssings on these families in the weeks ahead in their new homes. 

We describe people as being "tough as nails," "having nerves of steel," or being "stronger than a brick wall."  On April 27, nails, steel and bricks were no match for these horrible storms.  The true strength of those storms; however, came not in a description of the weather.  The strength that has been amazing to witness is the true grit of these survivors and the volunteers who have been fighting for them.  The strength of our community in this time of crisis has been a mighty force for good.  And, most important of all, the strength of faith in our Father has been proven, as we have learned that true shelter can only be found in Him.  Home is truly where the heart is, and our heart is with all of you.  May God bless you all!