"Love your neighbor" resonates through East Alabamians as they band together to help those affected by the pure horror that slashed its way through Lee County, Alabama. This county is home to Auburn University and it has become my home away from home.

Tornadoes ripped through Alabama and on into Georgia on the fateful day of March 3, 2019, but this one came so close to home.

The merciless, raw power of a storm leveled the homes of so many and took the precious lives of people I've never met but who were my "neighbors." My heart aches for the injured, the homeless, and those who have lost loved ones.

The recovery will be long and the memory of happy homes and of precious lives snatched away in the wind will replay in the minds of many in the months to come. But we will stand strong with and for our fellow man.

The unity that has been shown through the people of Lee County and surrounding areas has been impressive. People of all different walks of life have come together to help the ones in need. John 13:34 "A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Christ-like love is being poured into the devastated area. I hope this continues even after recovery has progressed.

Hug the ones around you a little tighter from now on, not just in the wake of devastation, but always because our tomorrow is not promised.

A reminder for the days to come, Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds"