Back to Blogging...

I am finally back from my “blog hiatus”. My return would have been sooner; however, any blogging this week was rightfully undermined by the events that transpired this past week here in Jackson. As many of you know, Union University was hit by an f4 tornado which caused much devastation and destruction to the campus. Thankfully and by God’s grace, no one was killed in this particular storm; however, there were forty plus persons who were killed in this storm system that swept across the Midsouth this past Tuesday. I vividly remember the time that Union’s campus was hit by a tornado back in 2002 when I was a student (it actually hit the building I lived in); however, Dr. Dockery has said that the tornado that hit this week was 10-15 times worse than the one a few years back. So..my "personal experience" is nothing compared to what these students faced this week.

While the campus is now in shambles and what students once knew as “home” is barely recognizable; it has been interesting to see how in times of disaster, you see what is truly at the heart of a person. I have had the privilege of spending time with a lot of college students this week as some girls have even crashed on air mattresses here in the spare bedroom for a few nights and, as a result, I have heard many stories from the night of the tornado. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord protected so many from harm that night. Furthermore, while many of the college students have lost personal belongings, housing, and other material things of importance and value; I have yet to hear anyone complain. On the contrary, they are thankful for the Lord’s protection, amazed by His power, and hopeful of how He will use this disaster to move hearts within the campus, the community of Jackson, and worldwide.

This week has been a lesson in perspective and a reminder of the power and total sovereignty of God. I have been reminded of the book of Job so many times this week and how the Lord allowed Satan to sift him so that ultimately, the Lord would be glorified. I have so many thoughts; and yet, I think I will shift now from the introspective to the practical:

There are many needs that Union has right now (and many others who were affected by the tornados). Here is a list of things to pray for that I got off of Tim's blog.

And here is a link to some pictures taken/compiled by Cam Tracy (staff member at Union).