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Faith

Man’s Roof Collapses During Live TV Interview…And He Still Thanks God for His Blessings

Dec. 12, 2012 9:38am Erica Ritz

Alabama Man Clint Thornton Roof Collapses During Live TV Interview About Tornado

(Photo: WIAT)

An Alabama man was speaking with a news crew about a tornado that blew through the area earlier this week, when a massive rumbling from inside the house grabbed everyone’s attention.

“As I was turning the key to open the door, I could see the funnel cloud coming toward the house…[it] had furniture, debris, all kinds of things in the funnel cloud, and it was coming toward the house…” Clint Thornton told the news crew, explaining how he and his family sought shelter and started praying during the disaster.

Then, the sound of a woman screaming interrupted his explanation.

“Oh my God, oh my God,” Thornton repeated, grabbing hold of something as he saw the roof of his home begin to collapse on his family.

As things settled and voices emerged from inside, he yelled, “Y’all ok? Y’all ok? Y’all alright?”

Watch the unbelievable raw video, via the Associated Press, below:

After making sure everyone was safe, Thornton asked the cameraman if he was still recording. When the cameraman said yes, Thornton tried to pick up the earlier interview where he left off, with a shake of his head at the circumstances.

“It was by the grace of God that He kept us,” he said.

“Your roof just collapsed!” the cameraman couldn’t help but interject.

Thornton laughed, agreeing: “It just collapsed, and it’s still coming down. It’s horrible. But these things can be replaced.”

When the cameraman asked how the destruction of their home would affect Christmas, Thornton replied evenly: “It gives us a praise like never before.”

Watch the entire WIAT interview, via CNN, below:

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Comments (59)

702TruthSeeker
Posted on December 13, 2012 at 3:02am
is there a donation site? would love to help this guy get back on his feet

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- JD_Davis
  Posted on December 13, 2012 at 6:16am
  Glen Beck and The Blaze, thank you for posting this! Please set up a way to help this man, his family and neighbors.
  
  Report this comment
holy ghostbuster
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:44pm
I want to know what he did to piss off God in the first place? Why did God cause his roof to collapse?

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- ReddirtOkie
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:22pm
  Knuckel head, as the man testified, God protected him and his family. Secondly, in my neck of the woods, the guys’ ceiling collapsed from water getting the drywall wet not his roof falling in. If you have never experienced a tornado, let me tell you for a fact, it can scare the crap out of you and believe me you pray and give thanks to God when you are safe. Living in tornado alley, I can appreciate the man’s testimony, It is true.
  
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- gena t
  Posted on December 13, 2012 at 1:15am
  How about God let the roof collapse while the man was being interviewed so that the man could give his testimony about his incredible faith in God to the entire nation. And while no family member was under the ceiling when it collapsed. God protected them during the tornado. And the ceiling collapsed from the tornado damage and no one was hurt that time either. And this Christmas this young man and his family can and obviously intend to be very grateful they are all still alive and able to celebrate Christmas together. Like he said, the house can be replaced, family members cannot be replaced as easily. He has his priorities right.
  
  Report this comment
libbylindy
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 8:38pm
There are two things here that I appreciate:
1) Here is a man who has his priorities straight and has his heart pointed toward God.
2) Here is a website that has something positive to report instead of all the doom and gloom, of which there is plenty in this country. I appreciate the breath of fresh air. Thank you, Blaze.

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- THE BECKMEISTER
  Posted on December 13, 2012 at 10:33am
  I couldn’t agree with you more, Lindy. Listening to this man made my heart soar. I don’t doubt for a moment God will help him through his troubles, as He always has for me. God Bless this man and may he have a Holy and Blessed Christmas.
  
  Report this comment
truthseekerusa
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 7:25pm
Can Mercury One contribute to this man and his family? If so, perhaps we can send donations to Mercury One and they can pass it on to them.

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bornagaincowgirl
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 4:32pm
Praise God! Its so wonderful in this day and age to see someone praising the Lord; and here this man is in the middle of a crisis, yet he still praises God. I’m so thankful that his family is alright. May God bless his household. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me, they rod and they staff, they comfort me.

Thanks Blaze, I always love these reports.

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Carlinpa
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 4:03pm
Probably union installed ceiling
Praise God, this is a man of true faith
praise god in good times and bad

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luv my job
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 2:25pm
I would love to give some $ to this man and his family . May God bless them.

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- swehes
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 2:47pm
  Can Mercury One setup a charity collection for this man and his family? I want to donate as well!
  
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- smv803
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 6:50pm
  Absolutely…..I would like an address as well.
  
  Report this comment
The Third Archon
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 1:11pm
“MAN’S ROOF COLLAPSES DURING LIVE TV INTERVIEW…AND HE STILL THANKS GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS”
Hmm, seems like what he should be doing is suing the architect and/or construction company, not thanking a being that no one has ever offered a scintilla of proof of being ACTUALLY real or doing anything for humankind (or ever been able to agree about the existence and nature of).

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- AmericaMustBeFree
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 1:47pm
  Are you serious?? Nothing is as important as family.. and the Grace of God prevented them to be hurt! He is a wonderful example of faith and shows it by praising God! We all should have as much faith!
  
  Report this comment
- navydoc2008
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 2:43pm
  The name you have chosen says it all.
  
  You Nazi’s never did or will believe in God no matter what proof you are given. Enjoy your time on earth. As for me and my house we will follow God.
  
  Report this comment
- MrSunshine
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 4:40pm
  Third, the opposite of your argument is just as valid. You don’t have proof that God doesn’t exist. You may not “see” him but you also can’t “see” oxygen and I feel very confident that oxygen exists.
  
  Because I or any other believer “knows” in our hearts and souls and have found comfort in a forgiving and loving God and saviour is all the “proof” we need. If you choose not to believe that is your choice and not mine. I choose to believe and you are not going to convince me otherwise so why waste your time, energy and hatred to lambaste a few billion of us. I have found that militant atheists are some of the most smug and arrogant individuals around….much like most liberals who “know” whats better for me than I do.
  
  If you don’t want to play, take your ball and go home but hanging around and offering nothing but immature contradiction is just childish.
  
  Report this comment
- exilemusic
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 4:42pm
  I’m not a Christian myself Archon but you sir are just unreal. If believing in God helps people through horrible situations like this, then why are you so against it? Seriously, what’s wrong with you? Life doesn’t have to be as bad as you make it. You have a black currupted heart brother but it just doesn’t have to be like that. I’m not saying you need religion or something but you really need to take a look at yourself and ask if this is who you really want to be. I really feel sorry for you.
  
  Report this comment
- valiant1776
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 5:54pm
  “MAN’S ROOF COLLAPSES DURING LIVE TV INTERVIEW…AND HE STILL THANKS GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS”
  Hmm, seems like what he should be doing is suing the architect and/or construction company, not thanking a being that no one has ever offered a scintilla of proof of being ACTUALLY real or doing anything for humankind (or ever been able to agree about the existence and nature of).
  
  I’ve prayed to God many times, and by his Grace, I’m still here. God has revealed himself to man several times, but man has repeatedly and unashamedly rejected him in every instance.
  
  Report this comment
- SeekerEmerald
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 8:08pm
  @ third archon
  
  The ceiling came down, as it was wet. Wet drywall WILL come down, even if it is screwed and glued in place. Architect? Really? Good luck with that one…
  
  Report this comment
- wandamurline
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 9:15pm
  You must be a progressive liberal….only they could take an upbeat news report about God and his blessings and turn it into a hatefilled blog. Please go troll somewhere else. Oh yeah, you could benefit from investigating God and Jesus Christ…you might even get your soul saved and not spend eternity in the flames of hell. May God have mercy on your soul….you are going to need it.
  
  Report this comment
DamoclesAurelius
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 12:32pm
“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Luke 7:9

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Ballot_Box_Revolution
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:46am
Although i feel for this guy, i have to say the headline is over dramatic. That was not a roof collapse, that was wet drywall falling from the ceiling, it would not have killed anyone or hurt anyone majorly. But it does suck.

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- QuincySmith
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 12:41pm
  Agree, Ballot, a ‘ceiling’ collapsed not a ‘roof’; however, wet (heavier) sheet rock could injure someone, and could probably kill a child.
  
  Report this comment
- Oneirishman
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 2:17pm
  Roofs are very expensive to repair, if you cannot do it yourself, go into debt. Poor guy, probably knew of the leak and didn’t have the money to have it repaired. Pretty embarrassing in itself, then add in the ceiling caving during T.V. interview, ouch!
  
  Report this comment
- banjarmon
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 2:38pm
  The Wet ceiling fell, anybody in construction would know that!!
  
  Report this comment
- navydoc2008
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 2:51pm
  @Oneirishman – please tell me if you are kidding, because your post would be funny if it was intentional. If you are serious then you are making the same grave mistake as many of our law makers. Please read what was written (or at least cheat and just watch the video) before making stupid comments. A Tornado just came up their street causing damage to the houses. With the amount of water that is on the floor at the end of the video, his roof is most likely at least partially gone, causing all of the wet insulation/dry wall to come crashing down.
  
  Report this comment
godlovesme
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:28am
I’m so thankful God gave me this story to fill my tank with faith, and hope. Please share this story with everyone you know. Its up to us to teach the world and witness, (a verb as used here), the glory of God to others!
God bless this man, his family, and all seeing this message.
Blaze, is there somewhere to make a donation for this man is need?

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- rickc34
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:53am
  Satan is the cause, but Jesus is the cure. Thank you Lord to have shared this story of faith and love in troubled times such as these. Reminds me of Job.
  
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HollyRye
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:07am
I listen to his reaction and I am forced to ask myself, would I be such a strong testimony in the midst of the event? He has made God look good!

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COFemale
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:04am
What a blessed man. There will always be sour pusses on this sight that has to complain about something. Are you ever pleased? Does your significant other get frustrated with you daily. Take a look in the mirror you ingrates.

This mans house is still standing, that in itself is reason to celebrate and thank God. The fact that his ceiling fell down with the roof’s insulation material, is close enough to say the roof collapsing. We only saw the ceiling material, we did not get a birds eye view up in the rafters. If you are going to complain on something so petty, you need to get that stick out of your A$$.

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WillG
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:04am
That people is a Glass Half Full kinda of guy. What a great outlook to have in such adversity.

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vaman
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:01am
It’s god who ruined his house and put this man and his family in danger. Xmas = destroyed. Thanks god! Praise you! Hopefully this guy will take whatever he has left and tithe it to his church. God wants this man to be poor and misreable.

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- MohammadShapiro
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:24am
  X loves you!
  
  Report this comment
- valiant1776
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 5:57pm
  He looks happy to me.
  
  Report this comment
afishfarted
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:47am
now THERE’S a man of excellent character. the heart goes out to him and his family.

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- paulsfam4
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:03am
  I agree
  
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OniKaze
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:46am
Hy best wishes go out to this man of good nature… Not many people can laugh and praise god WHILE a tragedy is unfolding…

What a good man (at least it seems….). I hope local people come together to help them, they clearly are people worthy of help and kindness… Personally, I have a touch less character, and would have been swearing up a storm…

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Comcast3
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:03am
water-soaked drywall and insulation will do that. Feel for the family…what a mess.

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DZ-015
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:03am
The ceiling, not the roof, collapsed due to water-soaked insulation from the rain the damaged roof let in.

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- COFemale
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:06am
  That is what we only saw. We did not get a birds eye view into the rafters. So you can’t say with 100% accuracy that the roof wasn’t collapsing from the damage. Get the stick out of your A$$.
  
  Report this comment
- DZ-015
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:31am
  Cofe: We had the same view as the videographer; The Blaze headline writer relied on the clip as well. Since there were no rafters coming down, I stand by my comment. “Ceiling” and “roof” are two distinct things, just like “through” and “threw” are two different words.
  
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ArmedAndReallyPissed
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:02am
I don’t think it was a Tornado. It actually was Matthews ( the Grinch ) up on that Roof.

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brigott
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:01am
“…that blew threw the area….”

C’mon, Blaze, hire some educated reporters!

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- COFemale
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:59am
  Go elsewhere, we won’t mind.
  
  What is wrong with that sentence, it is grammatically correct. Give us your phrase Einstein.
  
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- vaman
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 11:10am
  Threw = He threw the ball. Through = “that blew *through* the area. What was that Einstein? You didn’t take 3rd grade English classes?
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc33
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 1:54pm
  hahaha!
  
  Report this comment
- Veteran Patriot
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 3:00pm
  VAMAN
  Not to be picky, but you need to add a comma between the words, that and Einstein. What was that, Einstein? The comma separates the question from the person being addressed. Otherwise, you are merely asking to identify the subject which is Einstein. Examples: What is that Einstein? what is that noise?
  Okay, maybe I am being picky. No offense intended.
  
  Report this comment
momrules
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:01am
What a great man and a great response to the interviewer’s question”………..how will the destruction of his home affect Christmas?” Thornton replied ” It gives us a praise like never before.”

We are to give thanks and praise to God for all things. How will God bless this family in the future? Because of Mr. Thornton’s faith I can only believe it will be wonderful. God bless this man and his family……….and He has and will.

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TheMajority
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 9:56am
Do me a favor Blaze. Please remove all traces of me from your site if possible.

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- bemo234
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:12am
  Good idea, go back to MSLSD, they been mising you
  
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- M13
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 9:50pm
  Ok just let me flush the toilet and I will send you on your way. Merry Christmas!!
  
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TheMajority
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 9:55am
With head lines like this, I think I am getting tired of the Blaze.
I think I will get my news elsewhere.

Merry Christmas Folks.

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- Comcast3
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:05am
  bye….paranoid, atheist.
  
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- mcconthebus
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:06am
  themajority,
  
  I think the blaze headline is underlining, rather than mocking, this man’s religious convictions. Glenn Beck would never mock such a good man…. JMHO…
  
  Report this comment
- abwehragent
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 10:07am
  If this sort of reportage has no appeal to you, there must be something wrong in your heart or your noggin. All lthe horrible happenings around the world, yet here we have an instance of someone facing double adversity with their heads and hearts straight. This sort of article is uplifting and encouraging. I hope you get the help you need so that you can face life in a constructive manner.
  
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1Corinthians13
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 9:51am
Wow, just incredible. I’m so thankful that he and his family are OK. He’s absolutely right, things can be replaced, people cannot. God bless.

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