It has now been almost two months since one of the deadliest tornados on record hit Joplin, Missouri. In recent years, we've seen a number of natural disasters, causing massive destruction, but this one affected me more than any of the others.
Perhaps it is because it was in my native state, perhaps it was because I have family members who used to live in Joplin, or maybe it's because we stop there numerous times each year on our way to and from visiting family. Regardless of the reason, it impacted me profoundly, and in addition to numerous tweets and status updates, I have posted a couple blog entries here and here regarding Joplin.
Today, I wanted to add one more. Last month, my friend Kermit Summerall and the folks at Veritas(a ministry to college students at my alma mater, the University of Missouri) went to Joplin to help in the relief effort. Their visit was chronicled in the short video below. I especially appreciate Kermit's words, beginning about two minutes into the video.
It touched my heart when I saw the video below at Zach Nielsen's blog, Take Your Vitamin Z. It was posted under the title of "Ephesians 5:25 in Action," referring to the verse of Scripture which reads, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her," (ESV).
As I watched this video, I had a couple thoughts. First of all, let us all continue to pray for Bethany and for so many others whose lives have been turned upside down by this devastating tornado. Certain words are so overused as to become trite, and "unbelievable" is certainly one of those words. Having seen the damage caused in Joplin though, it is almost unbelievable in the very truest sense of the word.
Second, as Zach suggests, this is indeed a wonderful example of loving one's wife "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." It's the type of attitude and action that should mark all husbands.
I may be wrong, but I honestly believe that most husbands (Christian or not) would be willing to act in such a way to protect their wives. Fortunately, very few of us will ever be faced with such a situation. Perhaps more relevant for most of us are the many ways in which we may be called to "give ourselves up for our wives."
Great. You're willing to die to save your wife's life. But are you willing to:
Forego the new golf club or hunting equipment, and spend that extra money on her instead?
Go where she wants for vacation this summer even though it's "your turn" to choose?
Have a heart-to-heart conversation, sharing hopes and dreams, instead of watching the ballgame?
I am far from perfect in these types of areas (especially the last one), so I am not sitting on a high-horse saying, "Follow my example." Rather I am beckoning us all as husbands to be spurred on today by the actions and example of Don. And even more so, let us be spurred on by the actions and example of Christ.
It's been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, not even 2,000 words could convey what the following pictures do. Please join me in praying for the people of Joplin, Missouri and consider what other ways you might assist them in their recovery.
