Sixty-five-year-old Tommy Jackson lost everything he owned when a devastating Tornado swept through his Kentucky home.
All his life possessions – gone in a blink of an eye – including his important, identifying documents and credit cards – even the very roof over his head. He was left homeless and distraught.
Just when he was about to give up hope – he stumbled across his Bible in the debris – and you won’t believe what he found inside.
Tommy Jackson described his Tornado experience: he was nestled inside his home – when suddenly a devastating wind rampaged through – causing panic and destruction.
Newsweek reported:
“As the storm blew in, it sounded like 10 people were outside throwing rocks at his house,” Jackson said. “They told the truth about the sound of the train,” he added.
His front door was locked, and the wind blew it off the hinges. The windows busted in. He grabbed ahold of what he could, and it felt like the wind was trying to suck him out. He watched the walls shred and blow away.
The roof started peeling away above him. Insulation flew into his eyes and he couldn’t see; it blew up his nose and into his mouth and he felt like he was choking. A vent fell and crashed into his head, then sheetrock, and a smoke detector.”
Absolutely horrifying.
After the Tornado stopped, Tommy realized he had lost all his earthly possessions.
But then a miracle happened.
Located in the midst of all the rubbish and destruction Tommy found his family Bible – a sacred treasure near and dear to him.
Praise God!
When he opened it – he discovered his birth certificate tucked inside – a much needed piece of identifying information Tommy would need to rebuild his life.
Due to the storm – not only did he lose his wallet – but his bank’s building was destroyed, leaving him no access to money.
With his birth certificate, however – he can establish his identity and begin to get his life back.
What a gift!
When asked his thoughts on the discovery, Tommy simply said the presence of the Lord was watching over him, reported Newsweek.
Instead of cursing God for the trauma he endured, he chose to praise Him.
What a lesson for us all on how to respond when adversity comes our way.
Please continue to keep Tommy and all of those displaced by the Tornados in your prayers.
One can’t even imagine what it’s like to have everything stripped away at once – and start over from scratch.
Blessedly, as Christians, we know that – although our earthly possessions may vanish sooner than we’d like – our most prized treasures are stored in heaven – where they can never be destroyed.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
(h/t Christian Life Daily)