Lessons in the Aftermath of a Natural Disaster
I woke up in the middle of the night to an alarm on my phone and the wail of sirens. My roommates and I moved aside suitcases so we could stuff ourselves (and our dogs) into the hall closet. Within five minutes, the storm hit.
The wind rattled our windows and knocked over our trash cans, but otherwise, we were fine. We didn’t think much of it until the text messages began rolling in. Friends were sending pictures of businesses that had been destroyed, and family members were calling to see if we were okay. It wasn’t until we finally stepped outside the next morning and walked down our street that we saw the devastation.
Just a couple blocks away, roofs were gone, cars were smashed, windows had been blown out. There were trees down and power lines lying in the road. Some buildings looked like dollhouses that you could see right into. My neighborhood was in pieces.
The tornado that blew through middle Tennessee on March 3, 2020 changed everything in an instant. Lives were lost. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Our community was shaken.
But then I saw the helpers. You know that Mr. Rogers quote: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Everywhere I looked, people were cutting up trees that had landed on homes only hours before. They were cleaning yards, bagging trash, and helping neighbors box up what was left of their lives. When the initial chaos had died down and we were able to put on our gloves to help clean up, I was amazed at how many people were gathered to volunteer.
As we walked the streets of blue-tarped roofs, I couldn’t help but get emotional. Not just because of the destruction around me, but because people had shown up for each other. They were jumping right in with their chainsaws, sorting through debris, passing out food. Donations had come from all across the state. People were opening up their homes to those who no longer had one. I had never seen humanity care so much about each other.
Even though it was a difficult week (both physically and emotionally), I learned several things in the aftermath:
God is with us.
I don’t know why tornadoes hit when they do. I don’t know why some houses are destroyed while others are perfectly fine. But here’s what I do know: God is in control, and He is with us always.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” - Psalm 46:1
He’s there in the middle of the storm. And He’s there in the aftermath. Even when your whole life comes apart. Even when you feel like you have nothing left. God is still there and so is His peace. He is not going anywhere.
It’s easy to want to blame God or run from Him completely when our lives are turned upside down. But if you build your life on His promises, you will have a firm foundation to help you weather any tragedy or heartbreak. The truth is, you will experience a storm. It could be physical, relational, mental, or spiritual. But just remember that God is the calm in the storm. You can always put your hope in Him.
We are called to be good neighbors.
I’d already fallen in love with Nashville and all her quirky people and charming coffee shops. But after seeing everyone around me come together without a moment’s hesitation, I’ve never been more proud to live somewhere. This disaster forced me to see the needs of my community and gave me a way to serve them. It’s not always easy to respond to other people’s pain. What do you do when your house is okay, but less than a mile away, someone lost everything? What do you do when you’re going through a pile of rubble that was someone’s upstairs and they ask you to keep an eye out for their family photos?
As Christians, we are supposed to bear each others’ burdens-meaning we are to share some of the load by helping where we can and encouraging one another. We love others because Christ first loved us.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” We need each other to get through difficult times. Don’t be afraid to reach out and help someone who needs you. You may be the only light they experience in a dark season. - Proverbs 7:17
Count your blessings
Going without power for a week isn’t pleasant. We had to throw out food from our refrigerator, and it got so cold one night that we went to stay with a friend. The little things like charging your phone or turning on a light become much more precious. But even though we couldn’t take hot showers or use the microwave, I was so grateful to still have a home.
Sometimes it takes going without or seeing what others have lost to make us realize how blessed we are. Running water, technology, gas in the tank--all these things make us wealthy by the world’s standards. Don’t wait until tragedy strikes to count your blessings. Give thanks for what you have, practice contentment, tell friends and family that you love them.
Gratefulness also helps us recognize that what we have comes from God. When we are aware of the blessings in our life, we are more likely to share what we have and help those in need. And when we do experience loss, we can look to this hope:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19
I will never forget that night when the tornado came through Nashville and how my city looked the next day. But I will also never forget the way people showed up for each other. The way they gave and cared and loved. It gives me hope that we will rebuild. That this will not keep us down. That we are in this together.
As Christians, may we turn to Jesus in the aftermath and have the courage to point others to the One who restores broken souls. What storm are you in the middle of right now? What have you learned about God? How can you help someone who is currently facing their own storm?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Abbie is a native Mississippian who now calls Nashville, TN home. She works as a writer for Ramsey Solutions and enjoys reading, traveling, laughing, and playing with her corgi, Eudora, in her spare time. You can find more of her writing at abbiewalker.com.