They say the storm was 2 miles across and stayed on the ground for 20 miles.

They say it made a direct hit on two schools (full of children) and a hospital.

They say that in one school, they aren’t doing search and rescue anymore. It’s search and recovery now.

All I can think to pray is “Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.”

I share ways to help.

I try not to make someone else’s tragedy about me or my particular political or theological persuasions. Better to err on the side of silence than to detonate a merciless word-bomb in the midst of suffering.

My own tragedies haunt in moments like this. The body-flattening fatigue of grief drops out of the sunny skies and renders me motionless, staring into space, for moments on end.

Paul wrote that we comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received. I have received much comfort from strangers, friends, and family alike. God, help me share that comfort. Help my words and actions be a help and not inflict more hurt.

Lord have mercy. 

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Linked up today with Heather of the EO.