Giving Praise in the Worst of Times (Joplin, MO Tornado Video)

Many of you have already seen this video, taken while a tornado ripped through a convenience store in Joplin, Missouri this past weekend:

The reason I am posting it is because of what I heard in the background during the middle of it. It was pretty powerful to me.

If you listen at approximately the 3:45 mark, you’ll hear a woman saying ‘Thank you Jesus’ .. and that’s what struck me.

It doesn’t surprise me that someone would be invoking the LORD’s name at a moment like that. Actually that seems very normal and really, expected.

But what I found interesting is that she’s saying thank you – and not after the storm had passed and they were safe, but rather right in the middle of the worst part where the outcome was anything but clear for her. She could have very well been doomed by that storm but she was giving thanks.

That’s awesome. Thanking the LORD during the absolute worst possible moment in your life…in this case, a moment that could have ended her life. I love this. I love that she’s thanking God despite the complete and utter turmoil around her.

Makes me want to thank God a lot more during those times that aren’t so great in my life. I mean, anyone can give thanks when life is good. You know? But what about when it’s not? Time for me to starting giving some more praise.

I’m thankful for this video and thankful for everyone who survived the storms in Joplin and elsewhere this past weekend. Meanwhile, I am thinking of all of those who were not as fortunate and lost their family members and loved ones. May peace find all of you in the days ahead.

UPDATE: Here is a link to the follow-up video taken by the same person who shot the original, above: http://youtu.be/W-P4P68YyNM

Chesney

It’s that time once again. Time for one of the best nights of the year. It’s Kenny time.

Heading to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI tonight to see Kenny Chesney in concert. I’m fired up.

This will be the 12th (yes you read that correctly) time I’ve seen him perform. I’m a big fan. First time I saw him was either 1999 or 2000 (it’s been awhile…memory is a bit fuzzy) at the Sangamon County Fair in little New Berlin, IL.

Safe to say he wasn’t the megastar that he is now when he took the stage that night…but the show was awesome. I still remember it. What a great time.

Took my little sister to see him that year. Little did I know it would start a tradition of going to see Kenny in concert just about every year, and also a tradition of enjoying his performances with new people just about every time.

I love these shows. They really are at the top of my list of things to do every year. Whether or not you like country music you should go check one out sometime. The energy at these things is amazing. The guy puts on one heck of a performance every time he gets up there. It’s money well spent,  without a doubt.

Turns out this will be the sixth different state I’ve seen the guy in – the list is getting rather extensive 🙂 Whether it’s been Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina or Indiana…it’s always been a blast and it always will be. Here’s to the latest chapter, this time in Michigan.

Let’s have it.