While in Joplin Missouri this weekend, I came upon this blood red rose on a wall off the Main Street:
Remembering Joplin
Having seen that haunting rose, it was incumbent on me to remember those who have survived with great dignity on the month anniversary of the Joplin tragedy. The world that watched was deeply moved by the manner in which the Joplin survivors comported themselves. Never is that so evident than in this graffittied wall where that red rose blooms:
Graffitted Wall, Joplin Missouri, June 2011
“Look Closer” was the ad campaign for that remarkable picture, American Beauty, made so long ago, also featuring the blood red rose, largely petals, covering the provocative Mena Suvari:
Key Art From American Beauty
So in remembrance to the Joplin people in that tragedy that happened only a mere month ago, we look closer at the wall:
It was inspiring for me, as a Christian, to see a Christian culture, like Joplin , responding with such grace. They did not forsake or turn their eyes away from the face of God. The hardest thing for any of us to understand is suffering, or why God allows this kind of suffering. But as C S Lewis said, ““We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ”Blessed are they that mourn.””
Who can know the heart of God? Perhaps allowing us to witness the remarkable strength and courage that Joplin has demonstrated is part of his plan.
In another part of town, I visited a neighborhood that had been devastated by the F5 tornado. All the green tree tops had been lifted off the trees making them appear dead:
But as I stepped forward and looked closely at the branches, I saw that new life was returning to the tree:
