"Those that Mourn"

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."(‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ KJV)

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of a terrible storm that hit our area. (Louisville, MS and surrounding communities) It was a tragic and very traumatizing afternoon, lives were taken, homes, businesses and anything in the path of this storm system was destroyed. There is hardly a day has gone by that the tragic events of last April 28th are not mentioned in someway by someone. The recovery is not complete, the pain of loss remains and the memories will bring tears to our eyes for as long as we live. Natural disasters are not easy to explain, practically impossible, because they are random yet they seem to travel a well planned path. They are one of life's mysteries that bring loss, sorrow and devastation. Our community has a high regard for our families and neighbors so we automatically pull together to rise out of the rubble and pain. It is the love and dedication to one another that keeps this community and others like it going from day to day. I don't hear people complaining, blaming God or someone else for the trials they have faced during this time. I see people trying to rebuild their lives in spite of the frustrations that goes along with an incident of this nature. Some have rebuilt, some are still struggling to rebuild, some are still having nightmares but all are trying to move on but also taking time to remember!!! We hug the hurting with one arm while trying to rebuild with the other arm all at the sane time. We are forever grateful for the volunteers and charitable organizations from out of town that came to help during this time of chaos. This night one year ago was a sleepless dark night but in time with God's Grace we shall trade our ashes for beauty. "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations." (‭Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭3-4‬ KJV) Looking to our nation as a whole, I humbly ask those of you in our wonderful country that seem to prefer destroying your community over building it up, to just stop the madness!! I ask you if you are not happy with who you are please stop the medical procedures to try and change who God created you to be in the first place. Please take a second look at who you are and what you have, they are gifts from God. I promise you if you will put one foot forward in the right direction God will bless you with a peace that will change your life forever!! I challenge all of us to give God an opportunity to lead us in paths of righteousness!!! It is practical truths like, "Love thy neighbor as thyself" and "Righteousness exalts a nation" that holds our country together in these trying times. Please be part of the solution, not the problem!!!

I Believe,
Scott L. Boatner