Article May 2, 2011 Issue

Shelter from the storm

By Betty H. Thompson

Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are most common in the United States, and where I live, they are very much a part of our lives during tornado season, which runs from March through May each year. These storms can pack winds of up to 300 miles per hour and can be a mile wide. My professional life as a city administrator included working with other emergency responders to warn people about approaching tornadoes, and ensuring that shelters and other emergency services are available. 

Personally, I include one other emergency “service” in my toolkit, namely prayer to understand God’s presence, even in the midst of the storm. This doesn’t mean I believe I can control the storms, but I do claim in prayer that God’s harmony can prevail, and the destructive weather doesn’t come from God. Also, while tornadoes tend to be erratic, and may strike one town but skip another, prayer can reduce fear and help reveal orderly steps that can be taken for public safety. 

I’ve learned over many years to trust in God’s divine power to protect me and the areas for which I’m responsible. Let me give you some examples.

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