It was one of those sticky, windy Oklahoma City summer days in 2003—the kind where you can feel the storm brewing in the air. Living in tornado alley, you learn to read the signs: heavy humidity, blustery winds, and an eerie green hue creeping into the sky. That morning, I joked at work, “This is tornado weather.” By noon, the joke wasn’t funny anymore.
From the high-rise building I worked in, we gathered at the windows, fearfully watching six tornadoes twisting in the distance. By the grace of God, my area was untouched so far, but I left work early to be home with my kids. Little did I know that decision would save my life.
The Storm that Shook the Ground
By mid-afternoon, the storm moved closer. Standing in my living room, toddler on my hip, my older kids beside me, the TV blared urgent weather updates. Outside, the northern sky churned with tornadoes, but above us, the sun was shining. It didn’t seem real—until my sister-in-law called, her frantic voice warning, “Tracee, take cover. There’s a tornado headed your way!”
Without a siren or visible threat, it felt surreal. But I didn’t question her. Grabbing my kids, I rushed to a closet and shut the door. That’s when it hit.
The sound of a train roared through our home, shaking the walls. Holding my children close, I prayed like I never had before. There was nothing else I could do. The chaos outside was beyond my control, but I clung to the One who holds everything in His hands. And then, as suddenly as it began, silence fell.
The Aftermath of Protection
Opening the closet door, I hesitated, but thankfully I found our house untouched. Outside, it was a different story: our trampoline had been hurled across the yard, fences torn down, and plywood lodged in the roof of our garage. Down the street, homes were damaged, and not even a quarter mile away, buildings were flattened—including my kids’ school library.
My heart whispered over and over, “Thank you, Jesus. We are safe.”
Later, I realized something even more incredible: had I stayed at work until my normal time, I would have been driving on the very road the tornado crossed, at the exact time it hit. The appointment that caused me to come home early wasn’t just coincidence—it was divine intervention.
The Storm Within
As terrifying as that storm was, it taught me one key truth: when life’s storms rage, the only safe place is in God’s hands. In that closet, I faced the raw reality that I had no power to save my kids. But God did.
It reminds me of Peter’s story in Matthew 14:22-36. When Jesus walked on water toward the disciples’ storm-tossed boat, Peter asked, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.”
Peter stepped out in faith, walking on water, until he noticed the storm swirling around him. Fear crept in, and he began to sink. Isn’t that just like us? We start with faith, holding tightly to Jesus, but the moment we focus on the chaos instead of the Savior, we feel ourselves sinking.
The God of the Storm
Here’s the truth Peter learned that day: Jesus is the calm in the storm. He’s the intervention when chaos threatens to overtake us. He’s the only one who can command the wind and waves to be still.
When we fix our eyes on Him, we find peace—not because the storm disappears, but because His presence overshadows the chaos. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.”
The Lesson in the Wind
That day, I learned to listen closely for God’s voice and trust Him even when the skies seem clear. Storms in life can be unpredictable, but God’s protection is steadfast. It’s easy to let fear consume us, but His promise is simple: “I’ve got you.”
When the storms come—and they will—don’t let fear and doubt keep you stuck. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Walk with Him in faith, even when the wind howls and the ground shakes. He’s already ahead of you, preparing the way.
Because no matter how fierce the storm, the One who commands the winds and waves is holding you in the palm of His hand.
He’ll test you to the very end! I was shaking to the end of my situation and God showed right up,!! I failed my test and never will I doubt again