However, for my newfound hometown (it's my husband's hometown and birthplace), it is a day of mournfulness, a day that many will never forget. It is the anniversary of a devastating tornado that according to news that day "wiped us off the map". I don't even want to call it an anniversary, because to me, anniversaries should be celebrated.
So, it's okay to remember. But, it's also okay to let the past stay in the past. For those mourning today, you don't have to let what happened five years ago claim your victory today.
You see, although I wasn't in the path of the storm, I remember too.
I remember hearing that town is destroyed, that people are stuck under buildings (part of that wasn't true).
I remember not seeing or knowing where my mother in law was for hours.
I remember my husband, a volunteer firefighter, going out in the middle of the warning, once he heard the news. He knew we were safe and had to help others.
I remember seeing my husband's boss in the middle of the night that night, with a cut-up face because he had been helping clear town so emergency vehicles could get through. I remember the look in his face, one of hopeless, as he talked of the destruction.
I remember crying and being upset over people who complained of the mundane, when others had lost so much.
I remember building our house sooner than we had originally planned, because we had a new perspective on things.
I remember this became our anthem.
But, five years later, these are not the things I focus on. You see, the town rebuilt and is stronger now more than ever. Buildings were rebuilt. But, the bible speaks more about us--our bodies, souls, and spirits--more than it does about buildings. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 talks about our bodies being our temples, where God resides. Let's work on rebuilding that. Here's a few things from the Bible that can help us with rebuilding and up-keeping our temple:
We are built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. He, himself, is our cornerstone. We are built together so that God may indwell in us. (Ephesians 2:19-22) HE IS OUR FOUNDATION!
When we hear His word and listen to it, it is like building our house on a rock. He is the rock. (Matthew 7:22-27).
We find further evidence of our foundation in song lyrics:
"on Christ the Solid Rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand." ("My Home is Built on Nothing Less", Edward Mote)
I go to the Rock
Where do I go when there's nobody else to turn to?
Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen?
Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable?
I go to the Rock, I know He's able, I go to the Rock
I go to the Rock of my salvation
I go to the stone that the builders rejected
I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me
When the Earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ, the solid rock I stand
When I need a shelter, when I need a friend,
I go to the Rock
Where do I go when the storms of life are threatening?
Who do I turn to when those winds of sorrow blow?
Is there a refuge in the time of tribulation?
I go to the Rock, I know He's able, I go to the Rock
So, as we remember March 2nd, let's turn our focus to our Cornerstone. I propose a new anthem:
Do you not know the Cornerstone, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? It's simple. You can talk to God just like you would talk to anyone. Pray this prayer of salvation, if you feel led to do so.
Father God,
Thank you for sending your Son to die on a cross for my sins. I know that I am a sinner and have done things wrong. I know that I can never undo things or be worthy on my own. But, I know that Jesus died for me, that is blood can wash away my sins. I ask Jesus to live inside my heart today. I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. I promise to do my best to live for Him each and every day. I thank you for it! I praise you for it!
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
Did you just pray that prayer? Did something resonate with you in this message today? Would you like to share your memories of March 2nd? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
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