“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

I’d like to take a few minutes just to tell you about my mom, Jane, and the reason why I so strongly desire to be just like her. For us, this past year has been a devastating tornado, ripping through our lives, wiping out everything and leaving nothing but rubble. Last February we put down our lab, Mink; that day devastated me. That was the start of the storm. Six years prior to that very day, my mom's mom past away. I knew that day was hard on her because she had a special bond with my grandma. Next was the eye of the storm; that part where it’s calm and your life is back to normal and it’s all passing away. But none of that is what happened. Come summer, the storm started up again. My mom found out my dad had been a dirty rotten cheater for over a year. This was a complete shock to everyone. My mom filed for divorce and we are currently still in the sad tragic battle.

From that stormy season, we all ran for cover from the falling rocks of our family. We all ran in separate directions, and I took the wrong path. I had become a cheerleader, and met a few new friends. All of my old friends told me these new acquaintances were bad news, but I didn’t care because they did what they wanted, and that healed all the hurt. I had dug myself a pretty deep hole and wasn't ready to get out yet. I was at my all-time low. I was smoking cigarettes left and right. I was addicted and couldn’t turn away. My friends and I decided to smoke in the parking lot during lunch. Of course we got caught; my friends got expelled, because they had already gotten in trouble, and I got suspended. I came home in tears and instantly begged for forgiveness. I could tell my mom was hurt. I remember that moment perfectly. She turned to me and softly asked, “How much more do you think I can take, Alexis? Don’t you think I’ve gone through enough already?” Within seconds, I started to sob again. I knew this storm had already hit her hard enough.

Since then, I’ve changed and am back on the right path. Our lives aren’t exactly easy now, considering in December my mom’s contract was taken away. Yet, another storm was shaking us to the core. We know there will be some more challenges in the future, but we’re ready to take them on. Through all of this, my mom has made the good choice in turning to nothing but God by running to Him and staying faithful to her daily devotions. I know He is the one who gives her mountain- moving strength. She is my role model and I wish one day to be at least half as strong as her. He is her strong tower in the chaos when she is weak.