As many of you know, our wonderful home state, Alabama was hit again by tornadoes. Many areas were left ravaged, lives were lost, and many belongings and homes were destroyed. The good news is our Father who cares even about a tiny sparrow falling is still on the throne and He cares to listen to every one of His peoples’ cries.

It’s hard to believe that we had another tornado in January! So bizarre….when we think back to the last tornadoes and how 239 lives were lost in Alabama alone and that the largest tornado outbreak recorded occurred within the same year as this one, it’s just hard to wrap your mind around.

We are very blessed that none of our friends and family were affected, but we know this is not the case for many others.  Our prayers and hope are that in all this, our Saviour receives glory, that people turn to Him as the only comfort that can possibly make a difference, and that lives are touched in a powerful and impacting way.

The stories are hard to read, saw this portion of an article from Grasping for Objectivity though and knew it was too impression-making not to share.

…A father and son, yanked out of their house and deposited into the family’s swimming pool – they lived through it. The mother, severely injured but alive, was buried under debris. The sixteen year old daughter, still on her mattress, eyes closed as if still peacefully asleep, was found dead 40 feet away from their house.

Though we feel discouraged, confused, and maybe even hurt there are tons of ways we can pitch in and help.  We are so glad to be a part of social media, because not only can it at times be fun, but we find it to be a great way to get the word out about ways to help, band people together, and to get care to those who need it.

Here are a few ways you can help:

1. If you are a blogger- For every blog post written about the tornadoes that have recently affected the state of Alabama, TopAlarmSystem.com will donate $25 to the Christian Service Mission in Birmingham. Go here for details.

2. If you live in Birmingham, The Christian Service Mission is in need of storage bins, ice chests, gatorade, charcoal and heavy duty trash bags for those affected by the tornadoes. Doree Boutique on 18th Street in Homewood are taking a load to them at the end of this week, so you can drop off donations there.

3. “Like” Toomer’s for Tuscaloosa on Facebook for other ways to help, to see supplies needed, etc.

4. Be in prayer for those who have lost loved ones, their home, and more.

Images were taken from The Birmingham News and from Facebook.