Cowgirl Up and Answer the Call

It’s been nearly a week since tornadoes tore through the state I call home. The pain I feel for my fellow Alabamians who lost homes and loved ones in these storms is just as raw today as it was last week. Edward has been worried about me. He thinks I’m obsessing over this tragedy. Perhaps I have.


Sunday I went to church with Edd (Yes, we go to separate churches, but that’s another post.) and, as expected, the sermon was about the tornadoes. The pastor began the sermon asking the question: Why did this happen? I held my breath. Because of the very bad experiences I’ve had in traditional Baptist churches (hence, why I attend a very contemporary, non-denominational church) I was certain he was about to say this happened because God is angry. But I was wrong. He, in fact, stressed that this had nothing to do with God’s anger, that if natural disasters occurred because we’d screwed up there would be tornadoes every day. He said catastrophe strikes to challenge God’s people. His second question: What should we do? Simple. We step up to the challenge. He then went on to give one of the most inspiring sermons I’ve ever heard.


And that’s when it hit me. I’ve been wondering why this event has touched me so. Now I understand that it’s not so that I can sit around and weep over photos of destroyed buildings in Tuscaloosa, videos of terrified college students, and stories of families in Pleasant Grove who lost everything in a matter of minutes. The pastor of my church teaches us that God gives us a passion for certain things for a reason, so we can effect change. My heart has been so heavy because I’ve been called to share this burden. It’s time to cowgirl up and answer the call.


I’ve donated items; I’ve donated money and I’ve prayed. I plan to keep doing these things and more. I hope you will do the same.


On May 14 I’ll be traveling to Tuscaloosa for UA Alumni Reuniting for a Day of Service. If you’re an alum, I invite you to join me. Volunteer activities will include removing debris, distributing food & clothing, and rebuilding small structures. During registration (which will be held at the Ferguson Center) you will be able to select which volunteer activity you would like to participate in for the day. To confirm your attendance please register at  http://uaalumnireunitingforservice.eventbrite.com/

Please help me step up to the challenge.