The gloom of natural disaster —those storms and natural acts that sadly claim lives, property and the spirit of some Arkansans — is routinely brightened by the multitude of volunteers who show up, seemingly out of the blue, ready to lend a helping hand and share comfort and light the lamp of hope.

The horrific storms that struck our state in early February left behind a lengthy path of mayhem. But along that more than 120-mile corridor of destruction was a hum of activity far louder than the deafening roar of a tornado. That activity, humming even today, was the sound of neighbors helping neighbors.

After the February storms, so many people found ways to make things better for those in the path of the destruction. Whether they were cutting away fallen tree limbs so that emergency personnel could get through streets and rural roads, or returning family portraits that they’d found more than a hundred miles away, they responded.

There are hundreds, probably thousands, of silent stories of good deeds that are untold today, if only because the efforts were made without any thought of acclaim, but through the inherent need to exercise the human spirit.

I’m never more proud to be an Arkansan than when I see the support offered those who have been pierced by natural disaster. That support is something you can count on, regardless of the type of storm or the time of year it might occur.

The storm immersed Arkansas Farm Bureau employees, leaders, and members both in its destruction and in the subsequent recovery efforts. Our agents and adjusters were out moments after the weather abated, checking on those afflicted and assessing the damage.

We’ve received hearty thanks from many of our members whom the storms victimized. Know that we try to be ever mindful of our commitment to improve the quality of life for our members, in whatever form that takes. We hope that commitment is apparent in our actions, both in times of despair and during the sunny days that follow.

Another way that Farm Bureau tried to improve the situation for those the storm assailed was through a donation of $10,000 to the Conway County Conservation District. The funds were designated for use in Conway, Pope, Van Buren, Stone and Izard counties to remove debris, clean up and remove poultry litter, and to dispose of dead animals on farms the storms slammed.

The funds were to be distributed in a 90:10 cost share with affected producers, to help ease the burden of a difficult situation.

The study of natural disasters is a science unto itself. Researchers are still unclear about how and why dramatic weather events unfold as they do.

One thing I’ve learned as an observer of human behavior is that an Arkansas storm — even the mightiest —doesn’t leave only destruction behind. With the help of our fellow Arkansans, it also leaves behind hope.