This is what it means to be held...

Last night, my alma mater, Union University, was devastated by a tornado that ripped through campus around 7-7:30 CST.

Though there were no fatalities, there were a few serious injuries, and about 50 injuries (hospital-worthy) in all. Also, the campus sustained massive damage, mostly to Hurt and Watters complexes (the girls and guys complexes) and to Jennings Hall, where I had a majority of my classes.




Dr. Dockery, the president, said it was about 10 times as bad as the tornado that hit campus the year before I got there. I am thankful there was never a major storm while I was there, but I do wish I was close right now so I could go and help in whatever way possible.

Union was my home, my stomping grounds, and the place where I grew a lot for the last 4 years of my life. It hurts my heart that they are going through all of this right now, and that I can't be there. I am worried about my friends, especially ones I haven't been able to get in touch with or hear anything about.

As I was thinking about all of this and why God allows things like this to happen, I am reminded of things I have been hearing and learning the past few weeks.

Everything happens according to God's perfect plan. Now, I am not saying God chose to have the tornado come through, injuring many and killing several in Jackson, but I know he allows bad things to happen in order that we will draw close to him. In times of trial, we are forced to rely on the One who has all things under his hand, knowing that he will sustain us. Our purpose in this world isn't to live comfortably, or safely, as a missionary from Central Asia spoke on yesterday. Our purpose is to give God the glory for what he has done. Suffering of any human magnitude has no comparison to the suffering Jesus did on my behalf and your behalf because of our sin.

So in that, I have to say, "Praise God" that he took that suffering from me. Also, praise the Lord that there were no fatalities, and very few (relatively speaking) serious injuries. Praise God for a campus that will come together to rebuild itself and the lives of all affected. Praise God that the people who have been injured or lost things that were dear to them have the incredibly privilege of drawing close to the Savior, and being held and comforted in his arms.

Held by Natalie Grant
Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred numb our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

My heart and prayers are with you, Union. Love y'all. -Lauren

(For updates, this is the page Union is using until their website can be restored. http://uuemergency.blogspot.com/)