Transparent Christian Magazine

The Feb 10 issue of the Tennessean has a feature story of the recent tornado victims.

Clarence and Christine Scott were childhood sweet-hearts who found each other again in their 60s. Clarence and Christine were in their mid-80s and still loved to work their small farm. Time for Clarence and Christine ended last week in a deadly tornado.

Rex Payne, age 49 was sitting at home with his son and four-year-old daughter, Courtney. How could time come to an end for a father in his prime and a little girl who loved to giggle?

Mark Aaron Brown was 19 and recently graduated from high school. He was filled with dreams and hopes. The newspaper report of his death said, “The young man’s life just beginning, was cut short by Tuesday night’s tornado.” Do you think he ever dreamed his time would come to an end so suddenly?

Stanley Francis was a “good Christian man” who was 54. His body was found on the back porch of the collapsed home. His father was killed by a drunk driver in 1966. A brother died in a motorcycle accident, and his other brother was killed in an ATV crash. How could time be so cruel to Stanley and his family?

Dallas Warner was a Predators fan and had been married to Debbie for seven years. Can you imagine Debbie’s thoughts as she reflects on her short time with her 33-year-old husband?

Kerri Stowell was 23, and Tyson was 11 months old. Tyson made the local and national news as he was carried several hundred feet by the tornado and survived! Kerri’s time on earth ended abruptly.

You and I are very much like these people. There were plans for tomorrow, next week, and thoughts of a summer vacation. Secondly, they had no idea that Tuesday, Feb 5 would be their last day.

We have no promise of tomorrow. Live today as if it were your last one.

Christ has eliminated my guilt
His Spirit tells me I am his child
Awesome victory is mine
My mind is set on his Spirit
Power is made perfect in weakness
I have the intercession of the Holy Spirit and Jesus
Only God knows why bad things happen to good people
Nothing separates me from his love
Satan has been defeated!

Mike Cowart Sr. is an author and a teacher, a mentor and a friend. You can read more of his excellent C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S series here. Contact Mike here.