“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
Menacing clouds concealed the approaching dawn as a tropical storm rushed into the Caribbean.
Schools closed. Activities canceled. Most residents remained at home to wait.
Continuous weather reports replaced normal programming.
Colorful maps displayed possible paths and intensity of the storm. Radar and hurricane chasers gave information but no one could accurately forecast when, where and how strong it would be. However, we all learned the monster hurricane would cover most of our state and several inland ones.
All day I waited and watched for rain and wind. Sprinkles fell on the lake and breezes ruffled the trees. I finally tired of staying inside and decided to work in my yard. For an hour, I yanked and dug weeds. Because the increasing wind kept bees away, I trimmed out of bound plants. Then the rain started.
As soon as I settled down in a soothing bath, my phone blared, “Tornado warning. Take cover. Move to an inside room.”
For a moment, I thought of remaining since I had been told a tub was protection. But I didn’t think they meant in a tub of water.
Reluctantly, I washed and hurried to my “safe room” which is a large, interior closet. On my way, I watched the weather man show where the storm was located. Only a few miles from my home and moving north. Thankfully, the warning was lifted a few minutes later.
When evening approached, we still didn’t have turbulent weather. I began texting friends and family in the proposed path to check on them.
Instead of expiring, our day long tornado watch was extended until the following morning. Wind began whipping the trees. Lights flickered. The tv went off. After that, I finished a book.
Even with the pounding wind, I slept through the night and woke when the tornado watch expired. I listened for wind and rain but only heard silence. The sun even shone.
Newscasts showed horrible scenes of destruction in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and beyond. While I slept, the hurricane raged and altered lives. Unfortunately, over forty people died. Helene wasn’t finished. Her fury continued to the Midwest and Northeast. Flood waters rose and caused more devastation.
Flash floods caught people off guard. Evacuations were ordered when dams threatened to break. Rescue operations pulled people from vehicles and buildings.
The category 4 hurricane bypassed the size of most storms. The power and strength of the monster exceeded others. We watched and tried to figure out where it would hit. But no one predicted it exactly.
As bad as the storm was, people came together to help. First responders saved desperate folks. Power company workers from around the US waited nearby to restore power as soon as it was safe. Shelters opened. Ordinary people helped those around them. A newscaster doing a live broadcast, stopped and waded through water to save a lady in a flooded car.
People cared about each other. As weeks, months and maybe years of repairs and reconstruction occur, may we not forget and assist those who have lost so much.
The monster storm gives us an opportunity to be kind, compassionate and helpful to those affected.
May we also show the same kindness, compassion and love to those around us because no one escapes the storms and trials of this life. In times of trouble, residents of our country have previously banded together to support each other.
Heavenly Father, only you know when the storms will come and where they will go. Show us how to deal with them in our lives and how we can help others.
Amen
