In May of 2011 a series of tornadoes destroyed a six by twelve mile area in
Joplin, Missouri. My son Andrew and I were so moved by it we drove three days
to get there and volunteer to do whatever needed to be done. I cleaned up the
hastily made lodging made for volunteers, fixed the plumbing, and Andrew built a
stage for the visitors speaking the next day. In the middle of the night when
we arrived. We were very encouraged by what we saw, people helping each other,
some who had travelled from hundreds of miles, their hearts moved by God to
help. We talked with many through tears and hard stories, but one thing that
was conspiculously missing was self pity. We met with families who had lost
everything, yet shared what they could salvage with neighbors. One man walked
me through his house where 2x4’s had penetrated the ceiling and walls. He
showed me an industrial ballast that weighed 50 pounds that had just missed him,
traveling from miles away. He showed me where he laid on top of his family in
the hallway to protect them, and broke into tears just thanking me for
listening. No pity, just the desire to rebuild and get on with life. Or what
was left of it.....
Another family we helped by clearing the foundation where his Grandmother
used to live. The whole house was gone, she was found alive later in the shower
stall in the middle of the house, strewn about all the memories of her life
broken and gone. Too old to help, she provided emotional help, providing
encouragement to us, as she told us “Joplin will rise again.” All on a 100
degree day with matching humidity. No words about the heat or the
humidity.....just of helping Grandma. With others ministering as needed, one a
Cub Scout with his dad, passing out hot wash rags. So refreshing and so
needed.....and no age limit to the hearts that helped. There was a spirit of
unity, of family, a oneness, I had never experienced before.......and of late I
think of Joplin.
Today is the beginning of the fourth week of keeping a distance from each
other. I have not been to a store for over three weeks, my only outings an
occasional ride. Seems riding a motorcycle is the safest thing to do, I keep my
distance, cover my face in my Arai, and contact no one. Who would have thought
the joy and safety we would find in riding in the midst of a pandemic? But I am
encouraged by the things I see and hear, of people volunteering, factories
retooling to build medical supplies, and I have yet to hear from any whiners.
Except for one....and someone rushed to her aid to help. It seems that the
human condition is stronger than any enemy we meet, based on the love of Jesus
Christ providing the power and the desire to love one another. No one in the
world is exempt from the Covid 19 virus, and we can all have a story to tell of
how we helped or ministered to others when it is over. Testimonies being made
every minute, seeing the spirit of the Lord moving over people who never you
would never see in church, who are seeking God and finding him already there.
In the midst of adversity, God’s light shines brightest.
Today is Palm Sunday, and the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem being cheered
on by cries of Hosanna, save me! Those in the crowd numbered among those who
had seen the miracles, been fed, or heard the gospel. A day of celebration, but
only one week later the joy would turn to sorrow, at Golgotha, the place of the
skull. Among the crowd yelling to crucify him were many from the crowd last
Sunday, funny the difference a few days makes. They never saw it coming, or his
resurrection afterwards. Today many will seek him, from fear, hunger, bad
health, loneliness, and sin. And he will be there, as he always is. But within
weeks after, they will have scattered, with only the twelve left to take out his
word. It seems in the worst of times when his light shines brightest, we seek
him in our misery, but in the good times forget what he has done. We like to
share in the blessings, but neglect sharing in his sufferings, a side that shows
us his true character, a side many don’t or won’t see. Forgetting he was a man
of sorrows also, not a genie in the lamp to appear when called upon. Time will
tell of our true character.....and so will right now. What a reminder of how
things can change fast and without warning.
We are admonished to deal with today and not worry about tomorrow, as today
has enough problems of its own. Ask the citizens of Joplin, and those who have
caught the virus. I’m sure they would love to help rather than being helped,
but offer us a chance to share God’s love. Many hands make light work, and many
will use the time to honor what they did, then move on, neglecting him, but God
will see their heart. So take a minute to ask what you can do? There are so
many needs, and like Jesus foretold, the harvest is full, but the workers few.
Could you not stay awake just one hour longer and help someone?
I was in Joplin years after, and there were still signs of the tornado.
Building had been rebuilt, and so had lives. But it is the soul that reflects
the heart, and so many only remember the suffering, while those who seek God
remember the blessings. In our three days there we saw many miracles, and were
blessed beyond belief. It truly is more blessed to give than receive, and to
love your neighbor as yourself, if you love Jesus. Skip the excuses....and seek
him. It very easily could be you lost and hungry, alone and afraid. Share the
gospel of Jesus Christ today with someone, and only use words when needed. Long
after the words are forgotten, the action will be remembered. I forget many of
the conversations, I remember the faces and the helping each other. You are
only a victim if you choose to be....in Joplin we were a group of victors. Out
of the ashes we rise!
And so I’m going to take a ride to celebrate! Safe and secure in Jesus, on
my motorcycle!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com