Yesterday as I watched the devastation of what will forever be known as the “May 20th Tornado”. I was overwhelmed by sadness and fear as this mammoth beast of wind and terror ripped across our precious state. As the storms began to clear and the damage emerged from the fog of debris, it was clear this natural disaster would forever impact the state I call home. As I starred at sub-divisions that were flattened and cars crumpled like pop cans I thought about how many lives had been lost. How many families would never be the same. The children that were stuck and the parents running to rescue them. I must admit I couldn’t handle it. I had to stop watching and just take a drive. As I did, I thought about what I might do if lost my kids in such a devastating manner. As the thoughts grew, my emotions took over and I just wept.
I came back home and turned the TV back on. Like a magnet I was drawn in to hours of endless coverage. As the reporting rolled on throughout the late afternoon and into the evening, my attitude began to change from panic and sadness to pride. I saw our newscasters battle on for hours without breaks. I saw our meteorologist continue to inform and encourage late into the night. I saw churches open their doors instantly. I saw first responders and volunteers rushing to the damaged areas. With each flash of support the love for my state grew and grew. The pride welled up inside as I watched “I Love Oklahoma” images flood my Facebook feed.
Our leaders took the national stage late in the evening. My friends Lt. Governor Todd Lamb and Congressman James Lankford represented us with brilliant courage and an underlying faith so representative of the great people of Oklahoma. First focusing the due attention to the victims and their families and closing their statements with the rallying cry that we will overcome, we will come out on top!
Not really knowing what I could do to help, yet beaming with pride I began to jot down all the great things I love about this state. Effortless they rolled off my tongue and onto the paper. In hopes of rallying us all around something positive, I thought I would share my brief list with you. These are just my initial thoughts, I have thousands more. But today I thought we could all share in the boasting and promoting of this great state we call Oklahoma! So join with me and let’s do our best to stay positive and brag a little about how great this state really is.
10 reasons why I love Oklahoma!
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We are resilient and courageous
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We love Jesus and show it by the way we help our neighbors
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We naturally want to do good
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We pull together in times of need
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Our Meteorologists & News teams never quit
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Our leadership represents us like champions
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Nothing separates us in times of need
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We are country strong. Our work ethic is second to known!
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Our pride is contagious
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We always come back stronger!