Before blessings come in the form of a rainbow, tough times come to the surface, dousing us all with a torrential downpour.

No doubt, 2009 has been a year of loss in Cherokee County, with the lives of neighbors and friends taken without the opportunity to say goodbye. Local teens have felt the pain more than any other age group, losing some to malicious actions of a serial killer and others to car accidents and instances beyond their control.

But when the memories of a loved one are too much to endure, there is still hope for a better tomorrow.

Wanting to present a message of hope and that better days are ahead, a group of Gaffney teens will host “Something Big,” a Saturday night of worship and remembrance at the First Baptist Church of Gaffney.

“This year Gaffney has seen its share of tragedy with the loss of many young lives,” said Jacob Comer of the local Christian bluegrass band “Reinvented,” which is hosting the event. “But there is hope in our Lord who enables us to overcome evil, pain and death.

“Reinvented” will perform at the event, in addition to local singer Mary Swanson taking the stage.

While some within Cherokee County were wondering “why us?” — a message of expectation was being preached from a number of pulpits locally, getting the feeling that “something big” was just over the horizon.

“We kept hearing people say when the serial killer came through that there’s something behind this, but also something big in the form of blessings would come from it,” Comer said. “On this night, we expect the Lord to do ‘Something Big’ in all of our lives, and perhaps bring healing and encouragement where it is needed.”

Doors open Saturday at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 6:30 p.m.