Two nights ago, my family and I huddled in the bathroom in the center of our home as tornadoes ripped through much of the Southern United States. While we survived with only minor tree damage and some major hail, only minutes away, entire subdivisions and businesses were destroyed.

The news media continues to flood screens with images of uprooted trees and flattened homes. But behind the scenes, many are already on the front lines of assisting victims dealing with loss of home or family.

Across the street from my office, FEMA, a local television affiliate, a country radio station, Goodwill, and members from area churches (including mine), are operating a distribution point for donations to assist those most affected. While the event two nights ago was truly a tragedy, this fresh picture of a community working together for the common good is a beautiful thing.

There is suddenly no race, no social caste, or other barrier. We are all people in a community seeking to help those in need.

People sometimes wonder why God allows such tragedies to take place in our world. I don’t know the answer, but when I look at the group of diverse people in my town working to change lives with no regard for themselves, I realize that at least for a moment, I can smile despite the worst of what storms may come.

+++

DILLON BURROUGHS is an author, activist, and co-founder of Activist Faith. Dillon served in Haiti following the epic 2010 earthquake and has investigated modern slavery in the US and internationally. His books include Undefending Christianity, Not in My Town (with Charles J. Powell), and Thirst No More (October). Discover more at ActivistFaith.org.