#PRAYFOROKLAHOMA

There are days that I wish that I wasn't a big girl. Not because of the responsibility of being a wife and mother but for the heartache we face. I wish sometimes that I could return to innocence and bliss. I wish that I could return to a time when I just thought that people were "sad" or having a "bad day." Instead, there are days that are filled with devastation and pain yet I look at our little mister and he doesn't seem touched by the sting of anguish that we adults feel. My heart has been hurting for the people in Oklahoma – for their tragic losses and for the trauma that goes with them til the end of their days. I mean, can you imagine searching for your child in the rubble of their school, demolished by a tornado?

There was an awful description in an a news report:

“A man with a megaphone stood Monday evening near St. Andrews United Methodist Church and called out the names of surviving children. Parents waited nearby, hoping to hear their sons’ and daughters’ names.”

Oh how that brings me to my knees.

I know that facing hardships is a part of growing up. And that it’s a gift to have the opportunity to love and carry the burdens of those you love. But I would be lying if I said it didn't affect me.

It is my prayer that God will use me in a mighty way to show His love for those around me no matter what the cost. God allows us to be close to those who need us most and to be close to the people we need. I am so thankful for the gift of friendship and for the beautiful people that God has put in my life. What blessings to have the opportunity to love such amazing people.

American Red Cross

Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts or make a donation by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. If you’re sending a check make sure you put the words “Oklahoma Tornado Relief” on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157.

Operation USA

Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036. You can also donate $10 by texting AID to 50555. Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief

Those interested in helping can make a tax-deductible donation to the BGCO’s Disaster Relief ministry online or call (405) 942-3800. You may also send checks to: BGCO Attn: Disaster Relief 3800 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112.