A Sweet Old Man and a Tornado at Walmart

Tornado…What???

Last Monday, we had a tornado come through Monroe and West Monroe. We don’t watch much TV (Josh watches football at night), but other than that, we just don’t watch much. Therefore, we often times don’t know much about the weather or local events unless we hear it word of mouth or check on our phones. I know, I know we should watch the news more! Don’t judge:)

So, Monday I noticed it looked like it was going to rain, but it was a great day for a little grocery shopping! I went to Walmart in West Monroe and was almost done with my grocery shopping. I always go to the very back and then work my way up to the frozen food, fruits and veggies.

Well, I was almost done. I was in the first frozen food aisle and all of a sudden, I hear “bang, bang, bang!” and tons of people screaming and running. Sadly, the first thing I thought of what that there had been a shooting. (How sad is that- that is what our minds go to?!?- sick to think about!) I had no clue what was going on.

Craziness at Walmart

It was just me and another man on the frozen food aisle. It was a really old man and he was just pushing his buggy. People were running and screaming and he was just pushing his buggy. I frantically said, “Do you know what is going on?” and he just smiled. I asked him again, “What’s happening?” and he just kept smiling, walking slowly and pushing his buggy.

He was either really hard of hearing, or just not scared at all, or just ready to go and be with the Lord if need be!

Thankfully, I ran into a few people I knew. That helped with the panic. Part of the roof came off and they made everyone gather in the back of the store. They were instructing us over the loud speaker.

Apparently the tornado hit right outside the door and the wind flew the front doors open, which caused debris and branches to fly inside, hence the panicking, crying, running and screaming! Along with the roof partially coming off, it was crazy to say the least.

Why Am I Telling You This?

Why am I telling you all of this? One, because it was crazy. I mean CRAZY. I told Josh I had never been in a situation like that before where I thought something really bad might be about to happen.

Two, I was surprised how calm I was. Yes, I hurriedly walked/ran to the back of the store. I left my fully stocked buggy (Which you can realize how hard that was after I had it loaded up:)). Of course, I would never want to die like that, but once your life has been threatened like mine has, you realize that wouldn’t be that bad of a death. Yes, I was shaking and my heart was about to beat out of my chest, but I was really okay.

Thirdly and most importantly, I am telling you this because of that little old man. His face keeps playing in my mind. Just smiling and completely oblivious. His smile and obliviousness was what made me not panic as much.

As I said earlier, not sure why he was so calm (he may have literally been oblivious), but I want to be like that. Well, I would want to be safe and take all the safety precautions:), but I don’t want to panic.

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Isaiah 41:10 (The Message bible)

I want to walk slowly with my buggy, just smiling– knowing that God’s got this. And He did.

When the situation all around you calls for panic, DON’T. You may walk hurriedly with your buggy, leave your groceries, your heart may race, you may cry or shake, but DON’T panic.

Smiling and pushing my buggy,

Aly

P.S. I found my original buggy and checked out in time before Walmart closed. I was proud of this little accomplishment while others were freaking!