Lessons in the Wake of a Storm
Newlyweds Lose Everything in Tornado
A bit of news was overshadowed this week that caught my attention and I'm thankful to be able to share the lessons. The unbelievable part is that it happened to two sets of newlyweds that lost literally everything in the tornado that ripped through Alabama recently. Both couples were married less than two weeks and they are looking forward and giving thanks. Giving thanks?!! You read that correctly.
The first couple comes to us from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The couple, Angela and Clayton Smith, relives the day they lost their home in the tornado that wiped out just about everything they owned and you can watch the video here.
The Smiths were married for just one week and aside from Angela's wedding shoes, they lost it all except the wedding shoes and the dog. Angela said, "Well, we're just going to pick up the pieces and keep moving along, we have each other." Imagine that.
As if that wasn't inspiring enough, a second couple who are also newlyweds lost everything also. They are Erin and Brandom Ponds. Unbelievably, like the Smiths, the Ponds said things like, "It's devastating," Brandon said. "But at the same time, it humbles you and makes you realize that material things can be replaced." And his newlywed wife added, "It was surreal. Kind of like you're in a bad dream and just waiting to wake up." You can watch their video here.
Okay, newly-married and losing all of your belongings but both couples are leaning on each other and saying, "We're alive, this too shall pass." I sincerely hope this bit of news doesn't pass by you too quickly.
We spend our lifetimes accumulating things of all sorts and in an instant they can be taken from us. "We are alive" both couples stated, "and we have each other."
In the end, it's all that really matters, isn't it? A tornado can strike your life at any given moment. It doesn't have to come in the form of a weather event; it can be the death of a loved one or some other devastating circumstance.
Somehow those tornados are tougher to survive. I would hope that this bit of news makes you stop, think and give thanks for the people in your life, the memories that you're making and those hugs will mean so much more when they are no longer with you.
Sources:
http://www.abc3340.com/story/14536918/newlywed-couple-loses-home-in-pleasant-grove-tornado
Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
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50 Comments
Post a CommentThey say trials make people stronger. Imagine, just married. Must have also made their marriage stronger. Wonderful to see such faith. Inspires many.
Material possessions can be replaced. Lives can't. Although it must be heartbreaking to lose all you have acquired in life, to be alive is the only thing that matters when these disasters strike. I wish these people a long future together with happier times to look back on.
Thanks for the great write:) Remember when hubby was in bad accident - yes he has been in a few. The only thingto cover him up with was my sister's beautiful white wool coat she had left in my car (I was driving behind him). I apologized to her later that day and she reminded me that we can always replace things, just not people. Good article!
I like that: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (King James Version) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I heard one of the Alabama tornadoes come by my house.
Oh, I just knew I would like this by it's title! You never disappoint! Great writing... : )
Outstanding! Thanks!
Amazing story.
Michele, this is such a wonderful article! It made me feel good just to read it! I was in a really bad tornado and the lessons that are learned last a lifetime. 5*
Great writing:)