God’s Grace & Mercy February 9, 2008

 

The clock on Union University’s bell tower documented the time of the Super Tuesday Tornado.

1

Since my last post, my hometown was hit once again by a devastating (F4) tornado. This was the third major tornado to hit our city in the last nine years (1999, 2003, 2008). Tuesday night’s storm wreaked havoc on one of our colleges, Union University. Almost every building on campus was damaged and the dormitories were destroyed. I worked as the residential living director at Lambuth for five years and my heart sank at the thought of Union’s administration scrambling around a dark campus trying to account for 1200 on-campus residents. The university was greatly blessed and protected by the Lord. None of their students, faculty, or staff lost their lives; although several students were trapped beneath rubble and over fifty had to be taken to the hospital. 

As usual the community has come out in droves to help the university and the students. Union President, Dr. David Dockery, has been poised and humble through the entire event. When you’re a Christian you tend to look at tragedy differently. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself and asking why, you thank God for his grace and mercy and press on. 

Union began the clean-up process almost immediately. The plan is to re-open the week of February 18, 2008. Of course clearing debris from the campus is the easy task. Arranging housing and classes for over 3000 students is another matter all together. I shutter just thinking about the process. 

I have no doubt that Jackson will bounce back. While I wouldn’t say we’re accustomed to tornadoes, we have learned how to come together as a community. We’ll move on and try to be prepared for the next time. 

If you are interested in helping Union University with their efforts, they have established a website with updates and other information (click here).

To read more about the Super Tuesday tornado or see photo galleries of the damage, visit The Jackson Sun’s website.