Death and Destruction

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11



A horrible tornado hit the town of Joplin, Missouri, yesterday evening. So far, 89 people have been confirmed dead. It is hard to know what to say or do in times like these.


Joplin is my second hometown. The town that I’m from is about 30 minutes away, and growing up the long running jest was that the only thing there was to do in our town was to go to Joplin. That wasn’t entirely true, but Joplin did offer the closest Mall and other big stores afforded to towns much larger than ours.


I spent my time in Joplin on dates, dragging Main Street, and eventually going to college. Today my college campus is being used as a triage area for medical volunteers.


My grandma used to take me to concerts at Memorial Hall. We went to see Sawyer Brown once. Last night, they were accepting non-life-threatening injuries at Memorial Hall.


This morning, Al Roker and the Today Show were in Joplin, right in front of the hospital where my step-dad Roy died. The hospital received heavy damage in the tornado yesterday and patients were evacuated to other hospitals, some nearly 100 miles away, by school bus.


Countless homes and businesses were destroyed by one of nature’s wonders. More severe weather is in the forecast for Joplin today.


Please say a prayer for Joplin today and all those affected by the storm. Pray that the plans God has for them will be revealed. Pray that they do not lose hope. Pray that those most able to help them will be made known to them. Pray that they may be reunited with loved ones lost. And pray that more survivors are found today.