Through the Storm

Friends, I’m writing to you from a place of deep reflection, a place where the lines between grief and faith have blurred. This past week has felt like a relentless storm, battering both my heart and my community. It’s been a week where the fragility of life has been laid bare, and I’ve been forced to confront the raw, unfiltered reality of pain and loss.

It began with the news of my grandmother’s hospitalization from what they believed was a heart attack. Then, on Friday, the unthinkable happened; my cousin and dear friend, Kurtis, was found unresponsive, and brain dead upon resuscitation. The shock was immediate, a numbing wave that crashed over me. That same night, as if to amplify the chaos, tornadoes ripped through our community in the middle of the night. Tragically, these tornadoes claimed the lives of eight precious souls in our communities, leaving families shattered and homes destroyed. And to add to this already overwhelming burden, wildfires raged across the county days later, painting the sky with an ominous glow. It felt like a relentless onslaught, a series of devastating blows that left me reeling.

In the midst of this chaos, the question that echoed in my mind was, “Why?” Why such suffering? Why now? How could so much devastation occur in such a short span of time? The brevity of life became painfully clear, the realization that everything can change in the blink of an eye. Death, that inevitable end, felt so close, so indiscriminate.
This week, I found myself adrift, spiritually lost. I turned away from God, from the comfort of His word. I was consumed by exhaustion and doubt, questioning His purpose in the face of so much pain. It was a failure of faith, a moment where I forgot the lessons of Job.

Job, a man who endured unimaginable suffering; the loss of his livestock, his health, and most devastatingly, his ten children. Yet, through it all, Job remained steadfast in his faith. He trusted God, even when he couldn’t understand His ways. His heart remained open, even when his eyes were clouded by tears. And God, in His infinite grace, restored Job’s losses twofold.

I wish I could say I mirrored Job’s unwavering faith, but I didn’t. I succumbed to doubt and despair. I questioned, I cried out in anger, I felt abandoned. I strayed from the very foundation of my beliefs. I became lost in a sea of grief and confusion.
The loss of Kurtis has been extremely devastating on my spirit. We grew up together, shared countless memories, and he was a constant source of joy and laughter. His smile could brighten the darkest day, and his spirit was infectious. He had a way of lifting others up, of making them feel seen and valued. I know that if he could speak to us now, he would tell us not to mourn his passing, but to celebrate the life he lived. He would want us to remember the good times, the laughter, and the love. And for us to know he's doing "Big time things" now. I pray that he has found the peace he sought, now in the loving embrace of God.

In the midst of this storm, I’ve been reminded of the power of community. Despite the devastation, our community has rallied together in an extraordinary display of compassion and support. Cleanup volunteers have worked tirelessly, clearing debris and helping rebuild what they can. Donation centers have been overflowing with essential supplies, thanks to the generosity of countless individuals, even some from outside our community. People have selflessly cooked meals and delivered them to those affected, providing nourishment and comfort. Others have opened their homes, offering shelter and a sense of security. The outpouring of love and support has been a beacon of hope in the midst of tragedy. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the ability to come together in times of crisis.

This week has taught me that even in the darkest of times, God is present. Even when we feel lost and abandoned, He is there, waiting for us to turn back to Him. I’ve learned that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the ability to trust God even when we don’t understand His ways. Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” These verses have been a source of comfort and strength, reminding me that God is always with us, even in the midst of the storm.

I don’t have all the answers. I don’t understand why these things happen. But I’m learning to trust God’s plan, even when it’s painful. I’m learning to find strength in His word, even when I feel weak.
Please continue to keep Kurtis’s family, and the families of those lost in the tornadoes, and our first responders in your prayers. And if you’re facing your own trials, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and He will see you through.
With love and prayers,
Chris Andrews