The people in urban areas, towns, and communities of the United States do their best in the midst of crisis. First responders specifically and initially risked their lives to begin seeking to save others’ lives. But, as you know, it did not stop there. Hundreds of people went into action to help their neighbors. Some were seeking to rescue others, some restoring power, some collecting belongings, and others collecting and delivering supplies to help those in need. In this moment, politics are set aside at the neighbor and community level. It does not matter the person’s religion, race, social status, favorite sports team, or political bent; in this moment, all are people. Mankind helping mankind. Each person seeking to do what he or she can to lessen the impact of the storms on others around them.

This general kindness shines as a bright light in the midst of devastation. After the storm, even before daylight, the communities begin to crawl with individuals who are more fortunate than another related to storm damage begin to move toward others with help, relief, and general kindness. People literally doing whatever they can to help another. A bright light indeed!

Even deeper than just simple, general kindness, another bright light shines forth from the body of Christ. Individuals who choose to sacrificially love others simply because they also name the name of Jesus move toward each other as well. Each others’ hearts moved with tenderheartedness and compassion toward those who may be hurting. These individuals who are connected by their relationship with Christ demonstrate what it means to be part of the family of God. Brothers and sisters-in-Christ stop to pray, reach out, offer help, and seek to serve in the name of Christ and by the love of Christ.

Friends, love in the body of Christ shines as another bright light in the midst of devastation.

Even before sunlight, people were contacting me to check on my family, friends, and those I know. Many first checked on the Missouri storms and then would immediately ask about “your dad and mom, grandfather, family, home church, and friends.” This happened time and time again throughout the day. What began before sunlight did not end until after dark. Person after person contacting to see how things were. Many of them offered help, prayer, and concern even as they asked how things were. One person wrote, “As soon as I heard the news I thought of you and your family and began praying. I am just now able to contact you to see how they are and what I can do.” In different words, many people did the same.

By last night, upon receiving one of the notes from a friend in Ohio, I sat in my car and just cried. I called my wife to discuss something and mentioned the previous note. She told me of other notes that she was receiving. I had to quickly get off the phone as I was ready to cry then as well. On our family chat, Craig, Julia, and others told of the same things, not to mention Brian, Shana, Dad, and Mom.

What did all these people have in common? Only Christ and being part of the body of Christ.

Many of the people that contacted me have never met one of my family members, friends, or ever attended a service in my home church in Kentucky. Yet, they cared and reached out to show it. Why? Again, only Christ and being part of the body of Christ.

For those in Kentucky, many of them will be digging out for a long time – physically and literally, as well as also emotionally, and spiritually.

The rest of us in one way or another will go on. We all face other obstacles and challenges ourselves today. Many may not be anywhere near what these others are facing; however, it is life. As life does move on to the next day, days, week, and weeks, may we stop long enough to be encouraged.

We can be encouraged by the general kindness of those around us.

We can also be very encouraged by the love and tenderheartedness of those who are in the body of Christ and have experienced truly the love of Christ.

Both of these things – bright lights in the midst of devastation.

Video footage from Bowling Green by NewsChannel 5:

Video footage from Mayfield of the tornado damage by NewsChannel 5: