I have to say that I was worried about this happening. I don't want to forget....so here goes.

This past week has been one of the longest in most intense weeks Ive had in a long time. When the storms rolled through last Wednesday night none of us had any idea what we would wake up to on Thursday morning. Nobody knew that over 300 would die. Nobody knew how bad the situation would be. And I didn't know what to expect when I drove in to Tuscaloosa on Thursday. I didn't know if I would even be able to make my way in. I did....and it was devastating.

bodies. chaos. power lines wrapped around trees. mattresses impaled on branches. metal roofing wrapped around cars. It was unreal.

As I drove back to Birmingham in shock, I was speechless. Ive seen poverty and Ive seen destruction but nothing like this before. Having arrived at the office, I heard the ladies talking about sending out a calling post asking for water and clothes. This quick thinking went into action and I soon found myself loading over 130 cases of water, thousands of clothing items, and more onto the church bus. Every single item donated by our members. The items became so heavy we had to switch them to a bigger bus! Glen Savage, Lydia Howe, and Wes Howe loaded into the bus with me and we headed to the Central Church of Christ building in Tuscaloosa.

On arriving, the building was destroyed.

What we found was something Ill never forget. The building may have been gone, but the church was not! The members were coordinating, organizing, and planning as fast as they could. By the end of the week, they were feeding 3000 people from their parking lot each day (with the help of Churches of Christ disaster assistance).

And at home (Riverchase), we were organizing and planning as fast as we could. By the end of the week members had donated close to 500 cases of water, countless amounts of clothes, hundreds of toiletry items, and thousands of diapers, underwear, and socks. It was incredible to see the outpouring of love and sacrifice. So many needed, and so many gave. 

This past week has seen thousands of volunteers take to the streets. It has seen kids and teens reach out and help others in need. I am proud of what our church family has done, will do, and who we represent. I am so grateful for each and every one of them....but i'ts been a long week....and its not over by any stretch of the imagination. 

This is a time for righteous men and women. This is a time for Godly men and women to arise from the rubble of life, the stagnation of everyday living, and become the men and women God has always wanted. This is a time for Holiness. This is a time for Gods passions and priorities. This is a time of sacrifice.

Don't forget....its not over.