14 April 2013

A Joplin Journey: Why Me?


14 April 2013

Before anyone knew how dangerous this tornado would become, Betty Jo watched it touch down as a much smaller funnel. It was coming right toward her and the house. Instead of moving to a safe place, she froze in place and watched.

Mysteriously, the tornado lifted off the ground and sailed over her house. It did do some damage. Her trees were ripped apart and a neighbor unwillingly donated his boat onto her lawn.

Betty Jo would move to the other side of the house, and see the tornado touch down again, lifting a neighbor’s house off its foundation and out of her sight. She would later find out that the house was planted in a nearby field.

In a few minutes, this tornado would become the largest on record, and destroy the city of Joplin.

For Betty Jo, this was a life-changing event, for she asked, “Why me? Why did this tornado hop over my house and destroy so many of my friends’ houses?” It was a day that changed her mind.

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
Psalm 103.10, NIV

More of Betty Jo's story to come!

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