After the Storm

Walking to my car, sirens echoed a frightening sound.  The sky was an unusual shade of green, as lightening struck brightly and thunder trembled loudly.  The rain was pouring as the wind whirled strongly attempting to tackle me to the ground.  Thoughts echoed in my head, as  fear began to overwhelm me. 

The umbrella I was carrying was of little use as it bent inside out absent the ability to provide shelter.  The short journey to my car resulted in me being drenched from my hair dripping wet to the sloshing of my shoes. 

Was I in the midst of a tornado?  Had it passed?  Was it going to get worse?  Did it only just begin?  Was I safe to drive home?  Do I retreat to the office and wait?  Answers were unknown.  The sirens continued to echo standing in the pouring rain.  A chill came over my body with the coldness and drenching of my clothing.  I began to shiver.  My only desire of the moment was to be safe, dry, and out of the storm.

All of us will experience storms during our lifetime.  I’ve experienced many.  None of them are enjoyed, and there is great difficulty in seeing the beauty amidst the storm.  I could begin to list out all the storms of my life, but I would fear the mere doing this would frighten many away.  How could you have survived so much?  Or, they could take the other approach and instead of amazement in my ability to survive, they can judge me that I have suffered the experience.  They can begin to condemn me as if the storm was a fault of my own.  They can define me due to the storm in my life.  Then, others desire to pity me as if they could provide rescue.  The most beautiful response has nothing to do with the storm or me.

The most beautiful response is when another listens to my story and they are drawn nearer to God.  They see how God has worked in my life to transform my heart and soul making me the person that I am today.  They see a God of restoration, help, love, power and care.   The other person steps out of their shelter and comfort zone and desires to walk in the storm with me of their choosing.  They walk beside me in the experience, and in so doing the devestating effects of the storm are diminished by love and comfort that penetrates deeply into my soul bringing reassurance, strength, and confidence of something more to come.  They see beyond my drenched soul to something much more.  They help to clear the blindness of my eyes revealing the power of hope.  The storms of our life are defining moments, and are not forgotten. 

There are all sorts of storms and not every one ends happy on this side of eternity.  I think of my friend Lori who died from a brain tumor.  Her story did not end happy on this side, yet I know her to be with Jesus.  I think of parents that I know watching their little child suffer with cancer, pouring out prayers, asking others to pour out prayers, and unknowing how their storm will end continuing to trust in God in the most difficult journey.  I think of those that continue to suffer in the unknown of unemployment.  My sister traveled the journey of unknown for over a year until just recently, with the doubts, fears, and insecurities struggling at her inner being.  I think of those with relatives overseas in the midst of war defending our country with the possibility that death could at any time come knocking at their door.  I think of the storms that can happen at any moment from a sudden onset of unexpected illness, car accident, poor choice, a sudden death, or many other unfortunate circumstances.  I think of the storm that has been most difficult in my life to get beyond experiencing the tragedy of a divorce and all that encompasses this including heartbreak, destroyed finances, broken families, emotional distress, loneliness, and much more that is not easily explained to those that have not traveled through the experience.  There are many types of storms, and none are easy. 

In this past week, I’m reminded that there is life and beauty that comes following the storm.  The most beautiful part of a storm is a rainbow that often follows.  Then, there is the cleanness, newness, and most wonderful smell of freshness in the air.  An overwhelming peace can easily bring comfort in a new security, a deepened faith, and a reassurance of love that was not known before.   There is a strengthening of the spirit, a resilience to not give up, and the ability to encourage others that are still within the tormenting rains.  There is a beauty that follows the storm that can come in no other way.  To see the beauty, the storm must be endured.  The journey is never easy.  Blessings can be hard to find.  When the other side is reached, new life is always present.

I’m thankful for every storm experienced in my life.  The storms of my life are not who I am, but they have defined and continue to define the person that I am becoming.  They have been a blessing in my life transforming my heart for the better.

I do periodically fear the entering of another storm.  Encouragement is found in the greatest truth that real life and beauty comes following the storm.  I certainly do not want to miss the rainbow and so many other blessings by attempting to avoid the storms of life.