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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