It is a time for grieving in Moore, Oklahoma. The morning after a terrible swift moving tornado touched down that city and the state are recovering from the shock of death and destruction visited upon them in a matter of minutes on Monday afternoon. Our prayers go out to the victims and their families and friends. The slow movements of a new reality and recovery are upon them in the cold clear light of a new life. May God, who alone knows why He allows these forces of nature to randomly occur, hold them all in His perfect grace.

This is tornado season. The turbulent changes of hot and cold air and wet and dry conditions create the perfect conditions for these monster storms on the plains of the American Midwest. Oklahoma is part of what is called "tornado alley" and living in this region carries risks–but no one is fully prepared for such violent visitations. 

The United Church of God has members in the region and it appears none of them suffered any direct damage. When a tragedy of this proportion strikes all suffer and grieve for the pain endured by the many who must pick up the pieces of a shattered life. Oklahoma will come together and rebuild this community. It is not only a way of life in this part of the country but is expected. May God bless the efforts of all who lend a hand to help them from the rubble.