The Tornado

The sound of the tornado siren infiltrated the Nashville restaurant where we were dining. My friend Donna and I gravitated from chatting about our upcoming date with the Grand Ole Opry to gluing our eyes on the television weather alert. A funnel traveling 50 mph had been spotted near downtown Nashville, exactly where we sat, munching on our tacos.

Our waiter, noticing the concerned looks on our faces, tried to comfort us. “You’re in the right place. We have a bunker below the restaurant where we could take cover. It’s where the railroad used to be.” My eyes scanned the floor where I saw the trap door leading below. I thought, How would everyone in this restaurant crawl through that tiny door in an orderly fashion? I prayed we would never have to find out.

As it turned out, the tornado did make landfall east of downtown and caused major roof damage in Joelton and Gladeville, Tennessee, but our area was left unscathed.

As I look back on this scenario I realize life’s tragedies can be similar to tornadoes and can happen without warning. The destructive winds of the unexpected emergencies can leave our peaceful environment in rubble if we don’t know where to go for protection.

Here’s some good news. God wants to be our shelter.

Psalm 91:4 says, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Our heavenly Father wants to protect us in His holy bunker.

“So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Have you ever been hit by a life tornado? Is one hovering?

Do not fear. God provides an inexplicable peace if we choose to dwell in his presence.

Because Nashville always inspires me to write a country song, I penned one about this subject as I returned to Texas.

“Tornadoes in the Valley”

I didn’t see the winds of change coming.

It caught me by surprise. I didn’t know.

I couldn’t find a place to give e shelter.

I didn’t know someone could feel so low.

The storm, it was so fierce I couldn’t stand.

The rains of life, they soaked me to the bone.

So lost and weary. Never had an answer.

I felt the world had left me all alone.

But then there was a break in the rain and thunder.

I heard the voice so tender, sweet and clear.

He said, “Daughter, there’s room for you in my shelter.

My wings will cover you and all your fears.”

The winds still roared but my heart was calm at last.

There’s nothing God can’t help me to wade through.

He shelters me from tornadoes in the valley.

When I trust Him there’s no reason to be blue.

(Copyright 2017; Lisa Burkhardt Worley)

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