jerry from mississippi

So you're probably wondering why a post on Tuscaloosa, Alabama has Mississippi in its title. Or maybe you weren't wondering that. Either way, rest assured...I'll tell you why.

Sunday morning we left Nashville and traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where a 6,000-foot-wide tornado ripped through the town about 9 weeks ago. If you're ever feeling discontent with your belongings...wishing you had this shirt, or that iPod, or those chairs...take a trip to disaster-stricken Alabama. Your attitude will change from discontent to overwhelmingly grateful. Driving through this town is nothing short of devastating - like you're driving through the set of a movie that took place after the bombings of WWII. The town is literally ripped to shreds.

 Yes, those are vending machines. They look like crushed pop cans.

So amidst all of this devastation, it's easy to ask, "Where was God?" right? I thought so at first, but quickly received an answer. God is in every single person who is working to help those who lost every material possession they had. One example is a man named Jerry. This man looked like he was about 60 years old. He and his wife came down from Mississippi and are living in a trailer indefinitely while they help with the restoration of the town. I met him while we were working at a site, shoveling debris that was left of a once-beautiful home. We got to talking and I found out he was a Christian. He was so amazed that my sister and I had chosen to spend our time in Tuscaloosa instead of on a beach in Mexico (haha) and asked if he and his wife could bless us with dinner. After eating PB&J for breakfast and lunch today, that didn't seem like such a bad offer. I quickly replied, "Sure!" We exchanged numbers and parted ways. Once we arrived at our room (a dorm room on the University of Alabama's campus), however, we quickly felt the effects of working in 102 degree heat all day. We loaded our stuff onto a shopping cart (see below), showered, collapsed on our cots, and didn't move for about 3 hours.

 Dinner time came around and Val and I could not muster up the energy to meet Jerry and his wife. I called him to apologize, and explained that we were just too tired to leave the dorm room. PB&Js for the third time today seemed like an okay option at this point. He completely understood, and we ended up talking on the phone for over an hour! To a complete stranger!  Jerry, who looks over 60, is only 46 years old. The stress of losing his 6 year old son is worn all over his face. He shared his faith with me, and his extremely difficult loss which led him to an even greater faith. His little boy was run over while riding his bicycle. As Jerry told me about his life, I sat, listening, with tears streaming down my face. But our conversation wasn't all sad. No, in fact, it was filled with hope. Hope of a Savior who comforts, delivers, and saves. Our conversation ended, and as I hung up the phone, I just started to cry harder, feeling so terrible for denying Jerry the opportunity to bless someone else and spend time with new friends. Val suggested that I call him back and offer to bring breakfast in the morning to his work site. He obliged.

Here's where God's plan kicks in :). So Monday morning we took breakfast to Jerry and his wife. We had a nice conversation and as we were about to leave, Jerry handed me some money, saying, "Please take this for the bagels and juice." My sister and I refused over and over, but we could tell he was getting offended, so we took it. Unbeknownst to us, it was a $100 bill. What!? After arguing and refusing again and again, his wife suggested, "If you won't take it for yourselves, give it to your church."

Well. Our church is currently raising money to send 100,000 meals to children in Nicaragua. "I could donate the money to that cause," I thought. So we ended up taking the money, sharing hugs, and leaving for New Orleans. On our way, I called Pastor Steve. When I told him we got the $100 donation, he reminded me that $100 feeds 400 starving children. FOUR HUNDRED. God is so good!! In my little mind, I was so sad that I had denied someone the opportunity to bless two people. But God's plan was so much bigger!! As a result...he blessed FOUR HUNDRED. Praise Jesus!

Jerry and his wife :).

So I learned something while here in Tuscaloosa. God's Word implores, "Do not store up your treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy. Instead, store up your treasures in Heaven." It's not about the stuff. That can be whisked away in a heartbeat. Our valuables lay in relationships, both with our Lord and the people in our lives. These treasures are eternally safe from moth, rust, and even the worst tornadoes.

Goodbye Tuscaloosa. Thank you for your life lessons! Tomorrow: New Orleans, LA!