A Christmas Story

Many of us in the professional weather community here have struggled since the generational tornado outbreak of April 27 this year, which killed 252 Alabamians and injured countless others. I never dreamed of having this kind of loss of life on my watch.

But, on the other side, there are miracles. You might recall the story of the Adams family… they survived the tornado at Cordova in Walker County in good old fashioned Alabama storm pit, but they were left homeless. We found them a few days after the tornado, when I went to Walker County with other baseball dads looking to lend a helping hand.

I was moved by this family of 11, and produced this short video below for ABC’s “Extreme Home Makeover”…

The show was not in production, and they were unable to help.

But, as usual, Alabamians came through on their own. I found a ministry in Walker County called “Mission of Hope”, and the director Lori Abercrombie wanted to make this dream of a new home for the Adams come true. Within no time, a wonderful builder, Wayne O’Rear, stepped up to coordinate the project, and we have watched God work quite a miracle in recent months. Just when it seemed like we were at a dead end (and there were several of those moments), someone would come through with materials, labor, or cash.

The house isn’t quite complete, but the Adams have moved in and are now warm, safe, and sheltered in a marvelous home built by the generous people of Alabama.

On this Christmas Eve, I visited the Adams, and found them happy and blessed. I brought some candy for the 9 kids, and an iPad for the family (most of you know I an an Apple geek that likes to give away fun stuff from the Apple Store). My pal, 12 year old Patrick, is in charge of the iPad and will be sure everybody in the family will be able to enjoy it.

This family has gone from being discouraged and homeless, to a point where they have realized just how big God is and what He is able to do. It is my prayer that you and your family will enjoy this kind of blessing sooner than later. Remember, if you are in the midst of a hard time, that is when you are in the palm of God’s hand. And, it is a time when you are able to feel His love more than any other time in your life.

Merry Christmas to all, and let this story be an encouragement to you and your family this season.

And, let’s not forget that 252 Alabamians are not here this Christmas; please consider praying for their families that are hurting so badly. But, better times are ahead. As this story reminds us….

Tags: Christmas

Category: Hodgepodge