One year ago today I experienced the scariest night of my life – a direct hit by an EF-3 tornado with 140 mph winds. It cut a massive 17 mile path of destruction ($1.55 billion damage) through the city.

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Thankfully, no one was killed.

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So grateful for all who ran into the destruction to help save, find, and lead others to safety and for those who helped with clean up, repairs, and for many, rebuilding (this is a picture of a neighbor’s foundation and frame after damaged roof and walls were removed to prepare for re-build).

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Police, firefighters, city teams, utilities, neighbors, churches, faith communities, family, friends, grocery stores, tree companies, contractors, and a variety of support system members came together to help. What a blessing!

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During a chaotic, disruptive, noisy year of almost constant (and ongoing) mechanical sounds like chainsaws, hammers, metal, and nail guns, neighbors have been pulling together as builders – of help, support, care, and relationship.

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As we approach the finish line of this divisive political season and turned-upside-down year of 2020, let’s be builders too. Right now in this moment let’s commit to build others up with our compassion, care, and kindness.

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Life storms, literal and figurative, offer us an opportunity to be builders of community and friendship.

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Will you join me?