Gratituesday - God’s Grace

^{This morning I finally was able to talk to my sister-in-law.  She was tired but doing well.  She told me so much about what happened and I still sit in awe that she and her family are safe.}

^{She said she had just arrived home from a graduation and was in her little black dress with heels on.  She got in the bathtub and then thought she should maybe grab her purse and her cell phone and put on some tennis shoes in case this was the real thing.  She said she honestly never took tornado warnings seriously until now.  She said she could just feel the pressure drop and her ears popped and then the noise of broken glass and her roof coming off.  When it was all said and done she climbed out of the tub and saw all the devastation around her.  She thought she would walk to the high school for safety but when she did she saw how destroyed it was and gas was leaking everywhere.  People were running up and down the streets yelling at people not to light their cigarettes.  She thought she would try the hospital next but soon found it was totally destroyed.  She walked back to her house still not knowing about her husband and baby.}

^{Meanwhile, her husband, Justin and their son were at Wal-mart.  The employees had the people stand in the middle of the store in the “safe zone”, but Justin did not think it was very safe so he decided to go to the bathroom and get under the stainless steel sinks and cover the baby with his body.  He basically had to crawl out of Wal-mart since a cinder block wall had basically fallen on top of them.  Once out he had to hitch hike a ride home and before he got there a lady called him into her house and said she had baby clothes for their son.  His clothes were drenched so the baby came home in a cute little purple outfit that this lady had so generously given them.}

^{My sister-in-law said they were so blessed because without even asking they had friends from all over come with trucks to help them get their things out of their house and into storage.  They are meeting with the insurance agent today to find out what to do next.}

^{I can’t even believe the stories and the devastation and I don’t know why God chose to save some and not others, but I am so thankful for His grace.  I am incredibly grateful that Sara and Justin and their son was saved.  When you hear the stories it is truly miraculous.}

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
         A very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear,
         Even though the earth be removed,
         And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
³ Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.  Selah

¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God;
         I will be exalted among the nations,
         I will be exalted in the earth!   Psalm 46