Storms

The storm is out there and every one of us must eventually face the storm. When the storm comes, pray that it will shake you to your roots and break you wide-open. Being broken open by the storm is your only hope. When you are broken open you get to discover for the first time what is inside you. Some people never get to see what is inside them; what beauty, what strength, what truth and love. They were never broken open by the storm. So, don’t run from your pain — run into your pain. Let life’s storm shatter you.
The beauty of being shattered is how the shards become our character and our marks of distinction. This is how we are refined by our pain. When the storm rips you to pieces, you get to decide how to put yourself back together again. The storm gives us the gift of our defining choices. You will be a different person after the storm, because the storm will heal you from your perfection. People who stay perfect and unblemished never really get to live fully or deeply. You will not be the same after the storms of life; you will be stronger, wiser and more alive than ever before!
You see, it is our pain that connects us to all of the most beautiful parts of life. Love is such a marvelous pain. Birth, death and suffering show us the essence of life and teach us so perfectly what is most important and precious. We are all made complete by our pain. When the storm of life comes howling and raging outside your window; when you look that tempest in the eye, there will be a quickening in your instincts. In that moment you will burn with aliveness. Your total intelligence knows exactly what to do, because you were made to weather the storms of life. You will survive, and both you and the world will be transformed.
“When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm is all about.” ~ “Kafka on the Shore” ~ Haruki Murakami

**There is indeed “a time and a purpose” for the storms we face in life. I am more certain of that each day. Storms can make us or break us.  They are tests, and we must go through them to get to the other side of our pain before we can fully appreciate their value. Someone wisely said, “A lesson continues until it is learned.” The blessing is, storms don’t come to stay, but to pass. It is not how long they last, but how strong our faith in “the God of the storm”– who speaks, “Peace be still when He wills.
Be Blessed, Ebony G.

The Journey to 2013

But the centurion . . . commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea and get to land:  And the rest, some on boards, and some, on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.  (Acts 27:43-44)

What a trip!! We traveled through contrary winds, hurricanes, storms and tornadoes. We maneuvered political upheaval, a rocky economy, troubles, trials and tragedies. We came over hills of confusion, mountains of fear, came running, walking and shedding tears, with songs in our hearts and prayers in our souls we came. Yes, that’s how we made it to 2013.

Admittedly, sometimes, life’s voyage was rough and rocky. We lost sight of the sun and stars and the ability to navigate our way. But God was faithful and true to His Word to never leave or to forsake us.

The Apostle Paul weathered many storms, and discovered some storms are worse than others and despite a relationship with the Lord, it is possible to lose hope. Frightened and frustrated, we grab hold of any means available, for self-preservation and sanity.  Despite contrary winds, the play of the elements, and poor helps, we have arrived at 2013. We have reached another year at last, though hardly in the way we imagined.

But my questions to you and to me are:  Now that we’ve made it safely to 2013, what will we do with the Gift of another year?  What did we learn from 2012—about ourselves and more importantly about the God of the Gift of life?

2012 taught me that God is a mighty good Captain and while I suffered many losses, I survived many “Almosts” — almost giving up, almost “losing my mind,” almost “turning back” and almost “throwing in the towel.”  Just in time (like the Prodigal Son), I came to myself and remembered God’s promises, rested in His Words of hope, and  found comforting peace in His presence.

2013 finds me eternally grateful for another day above ground. Although many I dearly love are no longer here to share this time with me, I believe I am here for reasons known only to  my “first love” – the One who knew me from my mother’s womb.  I have placed Him at the helm of my heart and my life and I am determined, no matter the circumstances, to unreservedly trust Him. Because this one thing I know, and know that I know — come what may — God will take care of you!!

Prayer for 2013:  Father, we humbly ask that you will watch over us as we navigate life’s stormy seas. We pray that you would draw us nearer as we reach for you in all our ways, for the rest of our days.   In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen