“Yet when they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, the Lord brought them out of their distress. He calmed the storm and its waves quieted down. So they rejoiced that the waves became quiet, and he led them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his gracious love and for his awesome deeds on behalf of mankind.” (Psalm 107:28-31)

On April 16, 2011, tornadoes ripped through central North Carolina. One of those storms destroyed my aunt and uncle’s house in Dunn. The day after the storm, my parents, husband and I drove to their home, to help them salvage what they could. As we sorted and boxed up precious family mementos, my aunt told us about their ordeal.

They had just enough warning to crouch in their hall. My uncle laid himself over my aunt and my cousin, who lives with them. As the storm raged, it knocked the attic door down on top of my uncle. While it hurt his back, it also helped protect them, as the house shifted off of its foundation. I can only imagine the fear they experienced and the prayers they prayed while the storm raged.

Just as my uncle protected my aunt and cousin, so the Lord protected them all with that well-laid piece of wood. It served as a visceral reminder that we are truly in God’s hands. I am thankful the Lord allowed my loved ones to survive that day.