Too Much Evidence

I collect quotes. A couple of weeks ago as my mind was reeling from the images and stories regarding the Joplin tornado, I ran across this one from a preacher in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.


This gentleman was interviewed on national television following the tornado that swept through his town and devastated the church he led. Asked if the devastation had in any way negatively impacted his faith or that of his congregation, he emphatically shook his head no and replied, “I have too much evidence not to be confident.”

That evidence and confidence was bubbling to the surface during the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service held on the campus of MSSU. Online comments and media observations following the event all praised the city's religious leaders along with Governor Nixon and President Obama for setting the perfect tone of reverence and determination to honor the memory of those lost while building for the future.

The following Sunday's church service, one of the hymns we sang was They’ll Know We Are Christians. I had never noticed the lyrics of the third verse until then.

We will work with each other, we will work side by side,

We will work with each other, we will work side by side,

And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride.

Throughout the past couple of weeks, that working together has been as evident as the splintered buildings. Equally shared has been the comfort that music and lyrics can bring to the weary or the disheartened. Just consider the number of tribute songs and videos as well as the original tunes developed and shared freely with those in Joplin.

Time feels altered. Before the tornado, my days were rushing past. The last several have felt like individual years. I have projects on our dining room table that were “in progress” two weeks ago; they remain there today, now stacked and pushed to the side.

Like many I feel helpless to help much now. I heard a preacher shared with his congregation to help by doing what you do best. So I called and volunteered to wash dishes the next time our church hosts a group of out-of-town volunteers for a meal.

The recovery will be months in the making. There will be many opportunities to share our talents and gifts with those in Joplin. Like the elephants from the circus that made an appearance Memorial Day weekend, to help in any way they could. We won’t forget the folks who volunteered and helped us when spring weather stormed through and fields and homes. It will be our turn in the days and weeks ahead to do all we can.

Remember, there’s too much evidence not to be confident.