It has been long and tiring the last 5 days here in Tuscaloosa. I have been helping with tornado relief in my hometown. {here is a story about a family we found and helped in Alberta} It's still a shock for me to see all of the devastation here in the city that I grew up. There are so many landmarks, businesses and houses that we lost that will never be the same. Many people are still cleaning up and trying to salvage anything from their properties they can use.
It's amazing to see how this chaotic situation has brought unity, togetherness, giving and outpouring love on the people of our community. I'm so thankful I still have family, friends, a business and a home. We have a long way to go in rebuilding our town, lets all come together and help each other out during these next months ahead.
My family's business Jarman Realty & Construction in Tuscaloosa completely lost 26 rental houses during the tornado. All of our tenants are okay, we are trying to find housing for them at this time. Today as I was helping at the office I kept hearing story after story of families that lost almost everything and have barely anything but they continue to press forward and use their faith in God to get through this difficult time. It's so encouraging that they have such positive attitudes and hope in a time of loss.
I'm reminded of these verses:
Isaiah 61: 1-4, 7, 10
1. The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord God has anointed me to preach good tidings to the people; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives. 2. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn. 3. To give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord that He may be glorified.
4. And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.
7. Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall have rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs.
10. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.
The aftermath of 4/27 Tornado in Tuscaloosa
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