The man is a positive person. There is absolutely no doubt about that fact.
When a real estate sales falls through, he insists, “Next time.” A car inspection reveals the need for new tires, and his first thought is, “In the name of safety.”
Rains? “Flowers.” Sunny? “Vitamin D.” Road construction? “Progress.” Sin? “Forgiveness.” Death? “Salvation.”
But when his house burned to the ground back in February, well, that caused a pause. There was disbelief. And Chris Thomas had questions. The EXP Realty agent, his wife Amanda, and his daughter Ayla suddenly found themselves homeless without much more than what they wore on their backs.
But why? Why him? Why did his daughter – and his wife – have to lose everything? What did he do wrong? Was it punishment? Why the anger from The Lord?
Once the Moundsville Fire Department granted him permission to search the charred remains, Thomas had no idea what he might find and what could be salvaged, and there was his signed Rocky Bleier Steelers jersey, a few other articles of clothing, and a couple of items from the kitchen.
But not much else.
Except, however, a few preserved pages of the family’s Bible, and printed on one of the sheets, believe it or not, there was Job 20:26: “An unfanned fire shall devour him. It shall consume that which is left in his tent.”
And that’s when his questions were answered.
Thomas and his bride continue their plans to construct a new home in Marshall County while residing in “Kathy’s House” thanks to the generosity extended them by Jane Criswell and her brother, Kenn, and Chris has continued to include on his business cards select Bible verses. On his Facebook page, in fact, his “introduction” includes only:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
An important lesson, yes, was learned.
What did you learn about people in the Upper Ohio Valley when your home burned in Moundsville?
People here are supportive. They rally around you. The people here come together more than you would likely get in other areas. We saw so much good of the world right here. People were showing up to help sift through the rubble that was our house.
From friends to strangers, the support was tremendous. There was an overwhelming amount of clothes donated to us. There was also gift cards, money, and toys. My family was able to use much of it. What we couldn’t use, we paid it forward.
We donated clothes to several places in need. We gave money to places we believe in such as Augusta Levy Learning Center, the Unity Center, and others. The people here and beyond not only blessed us, but blessed others through us.
What were some of the most important belongings you salvaged from the fire?
Some of the most important belongings that survived were our sentimental items. My mother-in-law’s cane, our wedding photos, and our daughter’s ultrasound photo being some of them. The Bible that sat in our living room also.
The Bible was the very first thing we found. The cover is gone, along with many pages. It sat open to the book of Job. I had a very large sports memorabilia collection (mostly Steelers) that included nearly a hundred autographed jerseys.
A few items survived, but a lot didn’t. The main thing is that myself, my wife, and my daughter were unhurt. Everything else can be replaced.
What are the best parts about being a realtor here in the Upper Ohio Valley?
The people and their stories. Every person is unique.
Being able to serve someone and get them a home when they may have thought it wasn’t possible never gets old. Household items are frequently left behind. Real estate, along with being involved in the community, has allowed me to get those items to people in need. I’m a board member with Appalachian Outreach and when someone is selling a home I’ve been able to take their items that they no longer want and get them to Appalachian Outreach.
Real estate has provided a platform to help in so many different areas.
You’ve placed Bible verses on business cards. Why?
Writing verses on the back of my cards is a part of my ministry. I woke up one night around 3:30 a.m. back in October and started doing it. Anyone with a true relationship with God will understand. I never give out my card, I let people pick one.
We are all going through something at all times. Whether its anxiety, depression, addiction, or your kids drive you crazy, we are all going through something. The verse that someone gets often speaks to them. That word that someone gets may change their life. It’s much more than a business card. Anyone can have a card and most of the time we throw them in the trash.
My hope is that a verse makes an impact in a positive way.
Why are people moving into the Northern Panhandle/East Ohio region?
I believe the influx of people moving to this area is for different reasons. I talk to people that are moving here because of the lower taxes. Industry, along with jobs in other sectors in this area is another factor. There’s a lot of things happening in Wheeling and the surrounding areas that the majority don’t know about. I’m sure there’s even more that I don’t know about.
Many transplants I talk to tell me they love it here. I’m born and raised here. I spent a lot of my life wishing to pack up and move. After traveling and seeing higher crime rates, extreme poverty, and countless other plights, we have it good here.
For anyone that thinks this valley is toxic and there’s nothing to do, it’s going to be the same anywhere they go. There’s so much good right here. Don’t be afraid to step out and get involved.
Nothing grows in the comfort zone.
