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tor-na-do [tawr-ney-doh]
---noun
1. a localized, violently destructive windstorm occurring over land; characterized by a long funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground and made visible by condensation and debris.
2. a violent squall or whirlwind of small extent.
3. a violent outburst, as of emotion or activity.
4. a supersonic, two-seat, multipurpose military aircraft capable of flying in darkness and bad weather.
www.dictionary.com
Sadly, the news is full of the devastation, destruction and death that tornados have caused recently. These violent uncontrollable acts of nature are so grievous to me. My heart aches for and prayers go out to those who have lost love ones from these horrific twisters of demise.
I live where earthquakes are statistically most likely to occur, yet because of my experience with tornados in Indiana when I was young; I have huge anxiety and even body memories when the wind whirls here. The sound makes my skin crawl and sometimes I try to comfort myself by jokingly saying, "Dorothy! Toto! I'm coming!" Not funny.
What caught my attention, though, was #3 in the definition of tornado above. Woe! What kind of tornados can we be with anger-generated emotionally violent outbursts? I've always said, "stick and stones may break my bones, but words will put me in therapy for years!" Again...not funny.
I also know I've caused tornado-like damage with my own words. Words not just to others, but to myself, as well. [LORD, forgive me.] So many of us had been taught to treat others as we would like to be treated, yet we don't even give a second thought of treating ourselves horribly with devastating, destructive, deadly words. Soul murder.
As a Jewish believer in Yeshua/Jesus, I like best what the apostolic writings say to me. May I sincerely be able to apply this advice to my attitudes & actions towards others... and towards myself.
"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse."
Philippians 4:4-8 The Message
Shalom, Deborah שלום דבורה
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