I have written and rewritten this post as I lay in my bed at night, doing my best to find a way into another restless sleep. To say that life will never be the same, seems like such a cliché often repeated, but after May 22 this is more true than ever.
The first couple of days I looped through a myriad of emotions, feelings such as anxiousness, guilt, and a distinct numbness from the shock of it all. Knowing I could have friends who were no longer here was more than I could bare. I struggled for the words and did my best to find comfort. After I had returned to my home from my storm “shelter” and had a serious talk with my dad by phone, I stayed in my home, though it was a fight as I was pulled toward the flashing red and blue lights that now surrounded everything I once knew. The sirens were deafening and the reports of what was still left were spotty. You would think that all of the residents still spared their homes in Joplin would be the first to hear all the news as it happened, but that was not the case. Those, states some countries away knew the full force of destruction before anyone of us could catch our breathe or think of taking cover from the hail hitting our heads. In fact it wasn’t until the next morning that I saw all that was left of my daily routine. 
By the grace of God most all my friends made it out alive. I had a friend I had just seen that morning who was pulling a shift at the Ihop, two friends who were enjoying some yogurt at the local Cherry Berry and a few others whom I thought were in that part of town but thankfully were delayed for various reasons.
I did have one person I knew that didn’t make it as often happens in a smaller community Will Norton, a sweet young man that I had the privilege to have in my discipleship group in 2008 was that individual. There was not a person he would not befriend. Those good things that come out about someone after the fact were all true before the fact. He loved Jesus and I’m sure is have a great time working on his next YouTube Heaven video.
Much has occurred in a month’s time as the task at hand begins to sink in. Our local reports are still filled with death notices and legal stories long after the national spotlight has shifted the rest of the country to other newsworthy events. This was bound to happen and none too shocking. What has surprised me the most is the pace the 
Until that day comes I will continue to focus and reflect on this special challenge that has been laid at our feet. Everyday a new story is revealed in how great this tragedy truly was but almost in a small whisper many symbols join those stories in order to remind us of how much greater our Lord is in the midst of pain.
One of those symbols comes in the form Joplin’s school mascot, the eagle. It caused me to reflect on a verse from Isaiah 40:31 and with that verse is how I will close.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
(I did not take the above photo but all other photos are mine and I ask that if they are reproduced that you please give me credit, thank you)
