Hens with Chicks and Tornados

Biceps and I went to the state fair this week. Amongst the interesting sightings of mullets, rat tails, butt cracks and cops eating food…I witnessed something this non-country, country girl has never before seen.

On display were 48 eggs all in some state of incubation. Surrounding the cracked egg shells were fluffy yellow chicks–climbing, snuggling and bumbling around the cage. A few eggs were just hatching, pushing their way toward the outer world. Slimy, with matted feathers, these newborns painstakingly chipped through their shells and were slowly climbing out in search of freedom.

Watching this beautiful scenario unfold, I was reminded of God’s goodness, of His protection over me and of his unending faithfulness.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4

At times, when I feel as though the weight of my small world is on my shoulders and there is no hope, I am reminded to turn to the Truth. What does God say about my tiny, little life?

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” Psalm 91:1 & 2

I want to rest in the shadow of the Almighty-the creator of heaven and earth. This doesn’t mean I’m exempt from suffering, from pain or from experiencing the ramifications of the evil in this world.

Blame it on my Kansas upbringing, but tornados always come to mind when I think of the resting in God during the midst of trouble. Picture being in the middle of a tornado, swirling around and around. However, you are wrapped in industrial strength bubble wrap with a gigantic bouncy mat to land on.

That’s how I picture God protecting me in times of trouble-He’s my industrial strength bubble wrap, my hen with outstretched wings, my refuge and my shelter. And in Him I find rest.

Do you feel like you are in the midst of trouble, but don’t know how to rest in God’s shadow? Will you email me (or comment here if you feel so bold) and tell me how I can pray for you?

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11 & 12

Tornado Alley-Devastation in Joplin, Missouri

I grew up in Kansas, presently am living in Oklahoma and have no plans to leave the Midwest. Therefore, I am accustomed to and plan on spending many a night huddling in the closet with my loved ones, a radio at my side, while listening to the storm brewing. And praying.
This event has become so routine, that I often don’t think the tornado will actually touch down. Even though we are smack dab in the middle of “Tornado Alley”, I have yet to be affected by one.

Until now. The tornado that hit Joplin in May was the seventh deadliest tornado in all of U.S. history. I really couldn’t look at the pictures until now.

A short drive from Tulsa (my hometown) is Joplin, Missouri. When the tornadoes hit Joplin, the world as I knew it was rocked.

I waited several weeks before driving to the scene myself. I wasn’t sure my tender little heart could handle it.
This is not the scene of a construction site-this is the total annihilation of several businesses.

This used to be a neighborhood I would often cruise past on my way to watch baby brother play a basketball tournament.

What kind of unnatural force could curl a steel yield sign?

Debris was piled everywhere, next to the remnants of what was once a house. Thousands of people were instantly homeless, a 162 dead.

The outpouring of food, shelter, financial gifts and elbow grease from surrounding communities, churches and non-profits was tremendous for the people of Joplin. I was impressed with the quick response from so many and the practicality of what people were willing to offer and do. Some just came to clean up, others to offer counsel, others opened their homes to those displaced-even as far reaching as Tulsa.
It’s often the disasters that bring us together, reminding us of the preciousness of life, and of the finality of death.
I suppose the weighty-ness of Joplin was the reason I couldn’t talk about all of this until now. I usually reserve my blog for butterflies and rainbows.
But hey, life throws some crap your way from time to time. Let’s be real. ..