So…here we go, baby, hurricane Matthew is approaching. When you live in the Florida coast hurricanes are anticipated and even expected although you wish they never happen.
I have some friends who lived through the horror of hurricane Andrew when it came through south Florida many years ago. After dealing with the devastation they uprooted and moved to my neck of the woods. Nowadays when the man hears of a hurricane coming he just packs up his junk and drives off to somewhere else. Even if what’s coming is a category 1 he doesn’t care. There’s a deep sense of respect in him about a serious storm.
Last time a hurricane passed through town our family was without electricity for 2 weeks. Not fun! We took many cold showers and ate lots of vienna sausages. But we survived, thank the Lord. Our neighbor across the street ran a super long extension cord from his house to mine (they had power) so we could run a fan in the Florida heat. But we were miserable nonetheless.
During my childhood in the little island of Puerto Rico my family and I endured many a hurricanes and floods. In an island you have nowhere to go so you hunker down and hope for the best. My dad used to say to us kids that during the hurricane he was going to open the front door of our home, stand there, and sing a song to the blowing wind. I think he was just trying to calm us children down.
So, how can you know that you are perfectly ready for hurricane Matthew (or for any other storm)? Please keep in mind that this is just my take on it.
I think that first and foremost you want to face the storm with faith. Know deep in your heart that God is near and that He is in total control of all things.
There’s a story in the Bible about a time Jesus was asleep in a boat while his disciples stayed awake. A furious storm developed and the disciples freaked out. They woke Jesus up from his nice siesta and…
“Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:26 NLT)
It takes the sea a while to go from choppy to calm but at Jesus’ words the sea instantly became flat like a pancake. Jesus’ power is mind blowing!
My faith, and I hope yours, must rest in God being Lord of the storm. Pray to Him, trust Him, and hold on to Him.
Once the spiritual aspect of facing hurricanes is out of the way you’ve got to get physically ready.
I’m writing this 2 days before Matthew is supposed to skirt our shoreline. There are lines of cars already jamming up gas stations. Store shelves once full of bottled water are becoming empty.
Earlier I got some propane gas for my grill just in case. I am also well stocked with canned goods (like viennas) and batteries.
Our handy-dandy battery operated storm radio will once again reappear and loose items will be brought inside so they don’t go flying in the wind. Some just throw their pool furniture into the pool and dive for them after the storm.
So there you have it. Oh, I have plywood ready to cover my windows if the forecast calls for it.
When playing hide and seek as a kid the one counting would yell to the ones hiding, “Ready or not here I come.”
In my section of the world hurricanes are going to come, we just have to be ready for them. Who knows, I may bravely stand by the opened door of my home and sing a song to Matthew… but I seriously doubt it.
What’s your thought about coming hurricanes? Please leave me a comment.
I like what you said, be prepared and trust “God is Lord of the storm”! He is definitely in control, so why worry? Get prepared, be safe and trust in the Lord. Thanks for the timely reminder – when it’s easy to lose focus.
These are the times when my character is severely tested! I’m not talking about the storm itself, that I can deal with. But speaking from a mail carrier’s point of view, I have a hard time maintaining a calm perspective. Here’s what I mean, and I will try to be tactful; when the threat of a major hurricane is imminent, the upper echelon management personnel (who ultimately have the final decision) usually disagree with the city carrier’s opinion of when mail service should be discontinued, and when employees should be allowed to go home to take care of their property and their families. This can be very frustrating especially if a letter carrier who lives on the beachside
feels the need to evacuate. By the time that carrier is ‘cut loose’ and they do hit the road, the evacuation routes are bumper to bumper.
I am ashamed to admit, that we as letter carriers sometimes have some very colorful language describing the wisdom of the big wig’s decisions. But even though conditions outside can deteriorate quickly, for the most part, all of us show up for work as ordered.
What an excellent example you mentioned, Jorge, of Jesus calming the storm. That is what I need to focus on during these times, and let Jesus calm the storm of my thoughts!
Sadly, sometimes the people making decisions are not thinking of the people they are deciding for. Were I in your shoes I would be frustrated too. Thankfully Jesus can calm the raging storm brewing inside us as well.
Love this ! Thanks for the reminder of Who calms the storm and Who calms the child. Thanking our Heavenly Father for being Big enough to walk each of us through the journey of this storm.
Love ya
Great thought, Sherrie, that the One Who calms the storm calms the child (I wish I would have thought of it). He certainly did in my case.