TENNESSEE FLOODING

Tennessee lost at least 30 people to the flooding. Countless homes and businesses were washed away or out of commission due to the rising waters.

Financially, Tennessee sustained more than $1 billion in flood damage just in the private sector, according to our governor. Recall that $1 billion is another way of saying “one thousand millions.” By any measure, these floods were unprecedented. In some areas there were three months of normal rainfall in about thirty hours.

Tragically, many homeowners were not insured against flooding. Regular homeowners’ insurance does not cover flooding from rising waters. Because this week's flooding hit in areas not considered flood-prone, it is possible that the majority of property owners may not have had flood insurance.

In Nashville, water covered the field where the Titans play. Part of their downtown was submerged for days. Gaylord Opryland Resort and other facilities had to evacuate 1,500 people to a high school, due to about eight feet of water in it. It maybe closed for six months or longer, deeply affecting tourism. Tuesday's Grand Ole Opry country music performance had to be moved to a different auditorium, but played on.

Locally, Millington was particularly hard hit, but local churches and the Red Cross have stepped up to help. Each morning, crews leave First Baptist while loads of food are distributed from Crosspointe. These efforts, along with countless other churches, organizations, and individuals form a network of neighbors helping neighbors characteristic of our great area. Unsung heroes brought their boats and four-wheel drives to rescue people from flooded apartments and homes.

Dyer County to our north struggles as well. It was actually one of the first few counties declared as disaster areas by FEMA. Out of 95 total counties in Tennessee, over 50 have been sought by the governor to be declared disaster areas.

I cannot help but think of another flood. The largest flood ever. The one that many secular scientists say never happened. Looking just at the record 3-Day Rain Total of 17.51 inches received at Birdsong near Nashville, imagine if that rate continued for 40 days and 40 nights! There would be over twenty feet of rain, not counting drainage. The Biblical deluge was much worse than that, because much of the water was not rain, but the “fountains of the great deep” bursting open. We see the immense pressure of the gulf oil spill spewing black fossil fuels into the sea. Water in the ground was once under similar pressure and burst forth violently, covering the lands. Mountains, later pushed up by plate tectonics, still have seashells on their very top as a result.

However, those who listened to Noah were sealed up safely. Similarly, those who put their faith and trust in Our Lord Jesus may well perish, but will never be lost.

Allow this time of suffering to be the catalyst that points you to the Lover of your soul.

Mr. Peel’s other articles are posted on his blog at DavidBPeel.blogspot.com. He often speaks to clubs and churches and may be contacted at PeelLawFirm.com.