December 16, 2009, "Rise Again"

TRIUMPHANT VICTORIOUS REMINDERS Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written By: Teresa Criswell "He has shown you, O man, what [is] good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" ~ Micah 6:8 ~

What was left of their homes was beyond recognition. Debris, trees torn apart looked as though they had exploded through the house. Twisted metal, the remains of cars violently placed in the middle of homes. Some families went back to their homes to find that all that was left was the concrete slab in which the frame of the house once sat. The devastation of the tornado that hit Parkersburg, Iowa was beyond comprehension.

Yet through one man's fiery passion to see the people of Parkersburg rise again from the rubble was nothing short of amazing. He lived to inspire. He lived to encourage. He lived as not only a coach of football, but a coach of life.

My dad sent me this video this evening, and I was inspired to write in honor of the Triumphant Victorious God who graced the people of Parkersburg, Iowa and the Thomas family.

I still remember that evening. We were living in Winterset, Iowa. It was truly like yesterday when we heard on the news and then saw the devastation on the news of what the F5 Tornado left behind. Then realizing the population of this town was maybe a little more than 2,000. I even remember seeing one of the homes spray painted and there in huge letters were written these words, "God is Still Good." I am amazed as this town truly revealed God's amazing handiwork at taking devastating ruin and rebuilding with such grace and power.

One man allowed the One True God to utilize him in ways many have not yet seen on even a grand scale. Ed Thomas a man of integrity, inspiration, and humbleness lived a life that glorified Almighty God...his family carries the same legacy as his life was shortened in a 'suddenly'.

I write to this point to encourage you to watch the video. It is a little over thirteen minutes in length. However, I know as I was you will be inspired to live with great passion revealing our God in ways we could never imagine.

May we be reminded that we are Triumphant and Victorious through Jesus Christ! The storm may try to tell us we have been defeated; but may we be reminded by the Peace in the midst of the storm that we truly have the victory!