My knees shook as I quickly walked down the basement steps

carrying my Tiny Tears doll, my money jar and my Bible.

Outside the wind was howling and the rain was pelting.

Sirens wailed continuously.

Tornado!

Shortly before my family and I moved to Kansas City, Missouri,

a  tornado had touched down completely destroying the local high school.

I remember driving by the school shocked at the complete destruction.

But on this night just a few weeks  later

a tornado was seen heading our way.

There I sat in the corner listening to the raging storm outside

and praying. Desperately praying.

Only one word came to my mind that night so long ago.

“Help!”

Fear surrounded me. And silent terror only visible by my tightly gripped doll.

But in addition to the fear that night so long ago

was another feeling.

Comfort. Strange as it might seem I felt comforted.

What brought this nine year old girl comfort in the midst of the storm.

My Daddy.

There with us in the basement were my parents and two brothers.

Being together with my family while the winds howled outside and the sirens blared

brought a sense of calm

but

it was my Daddy’s presence that  gave me peace.

Fear and peace intertwined as it were giving a strange sense of danger under control.

My doll couldn’t help me.

All the money in my jar couldn’t help me.

My Bible reminded me of the unchanging Truth.

God was with me. No matter what.

And seeing my Daddy sitting across the room

and then watching him go up the stairs to check outside

gave me an amazing sense of peace in the chaos.

Somehow I knew on that stormy night so long ago

that my Daddy would take care of me.

The years have come and gone.

I’ve faced other storms. Threatening terror.

And again and again I’ve experienced the strong sense of a Presence

With me.

I know that the Lord cares for me. Watches over me. Protects me. Provides for me.

So even when fear starts to rise and I realize my weakness

I remember.

God is with me. He is with you.

We are never alone.

And we can trust Him.

Receive His Gift of Peace right now. No matter what you’re facing.

He will strengthen you so that you don’t have to go through it alone.

Open your eyes and see.

He is here.