Object Lessons - The Tornado and Grandma

submitted by Pastor Van

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses.  He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed.  Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven.  Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!  Psalms 107:28-31 

Oklahoma is known for its rapid changes of weather.  Will Rogers, whose memorial I visited several times in Claremore, Oklahoma said something like, “If you don’t like the weather here just stay around for an hour and it will change.”

Growing up I learned the value of a storm cellar when visiting my grandmother.  Awakened out of a deep sleep and then running across the street in the rain at night into the neighbor’s cellar was not an uncommon event in Perry, Oklahoma.  When the storm would pass, we would move back to our beds and the next morning all would be well.

It was when I was not at Grandma’s house and the sirens went off I remember the most.  She was visiting and all the reports seemed to point to a tornado coming close to our house.  Dad was not at home so it was just my mom, grandma and us three kids.  We were scared!

That is when she went into action.  While I am not aware of all that happened, these things are vivid in my memory:

1.    She carried us to a safe place in the small hallway of our home.

2.    She drew us close to her and spoke quietly to us.

3.    She prayed.

4.    She sang songs of faith with us.

Of all the times I was in the midst of a storm, this one remains vivid in my memory.  I remember feeling so secure and at peace.  I can almost feel her presence even today. 

I learned a lot that night.  The lessons of the tornado and my grandmother’s response are embedded in my life.  I’ve been through a lot of storms since then and learned that her response is the best.  When you are in trouble...

1.    Find a safe place and be still.

2.    Draw close to God and let Him speak words of assurance in His quiet voice.

3.    Pray.  Tell God what your need is and how you feel.

4.    Sing songs of faith from your spirit until the storm passes by.

Songwriter Mosie Lister said it this way:

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Scripture to Claim:

Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.  You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.  Psalms 32:6-7