The Storm Is Over Now

It was a regular Monday evening; I was minding my business. My dad pays me a visit, then asks me if I'm preparing for the storm. Me being clueless Cleo asks him,  "what storm?" I hadn't realized that tropical storm Isaias was also set to hit New York City. Of course, my oblivion put me into a frenzy, as I googled the weather forecast for the next 24 hour period. Not only were we expected to be hit by the storm, but there were also flooding and tornado watches in effect. Then it hit me, this is hurricane season. The standard would've been to stock up on non-perishables and canned goods, in case the effects of the storm were too brutal and did any serious damage. Was I prepared? Not in the least bit. I didn't even have bread. During hurricane season, it's normal to anticipate that some damage will be done. It's called a natural disaster for a reason, it does just that. I survived my first hurricane, in September 2004, in Jamaica. I remember that's the same year I was to start high school. The experience was a bit surreal. Not knowing what will happen, nor when. You just have to sit and wait until the eye passes, and pick up the pieces after.

As I sat in bed looking outside, I thought, "damn, what if the tree branches fall and hit my car?" Not really realizing that what I was merely thinking about, was actually happening in other cities across the state. To think that I was actually considering running out to get my nails done earlier that morning, in hindsight was nuts! I'm not Wonder Woman, where in the world was I going? I kindly humbled myself, shifting my focus to something more productive, with my candle lit basking in unexpected coziness.

In the early afternoon, I had decided to cook dinner. As I made my way to the kitchen and opened my front door, I realized that storm had died down and outside was still. Within two minutes of me turning on the stove, the sun had started peaking out. The weather forecast had said it would be partly cloudy after the storm, but this was full-on sunshine. When I sat down to continue writing, it hit me, The Storm Is Over Now [Kirk Franklin]. Have you ever noticed how natural disasters start out? There is always a subtlety in the preceding events. You may see some grey clouds, hear a little thunder, maybe see a little fog, but when it hits, the whole place is in shambles. Think about your life. How many times have things been going so well, and slowly but surely something out of the blue pops up, and before you know it, you're a mess.

Unfortunately, sometimes, we allow the storm to be the topic of discussion in our lives for way longer than it needs to be. The storm is nothing but a test. Can you stand the rain [New Edition 🎶]? I don't know about you, but I've weathered some storms in my life. One or two storms that were pretty traumatic. By the grace of God, I've allowed myself to accept that in life, some messed up things will happen and that I'm not invincible; God got me. Even though I was worried about my car suffering damages from the tree in my backyard, I was grateful that there were no damages in the area, period. I had friends, coworkers, and friends of friends who were affected by the storm. Some had no power, my nail salon suffered with power outage as well, some had transformers falling onto their house and starting fires, and others had minor damages. Looking back, I had to thank God because my family and I could've been in a hunch.

Mark 4: 35-41 Jesus and His disciples were in the middle of a storm on a boat. I'm not gon' hold you, I may have been Peter, John, or even Judas because no sir! In the midst of a storm? I can't guarantee that I'd be very trusting of the situation. Jesus was pretty chill about it though. You see, when you know who you are and what you're capable of, the assurance is guaranteed. His disciples, even though they knew who He was, were still of very little faith Mark 4:40. The only difference between us and His disciples is that they could physically see him. He just needs you to put all your faith in Him and He'll take care of the rest. He never said worry about your burdens! He said cast your cares upon [me] 1 Peter 5:7.  Tropical storm Isaias, just like our lives, presented some damages, but we have to remember that that's why we have security barriers like insurance, emergency funds, friends, and family who we can depend on and that there is a whole 'nother topic. God is your security sis. It may not always seem like it, but just push a little further, He'll come through for you. I keep seeing the meme that says God never robs you of something good without giving you something greater. And looking at my life, I can attest to that.  

Disasters natural, relational, or physical have a way of teaching lessons. Oftentimes the actual disaster is mind-boggling enough that we miss the lesson, but if we're privy to what's happening, we'll understand. Maybe you're at a point in life where you feel as though no matter how much you have the upper hand something always comes up to mess up the progress. Sometimes, your breakthrough is ready and waiting on you to move past the storm; just like the sun, ready to show out the sun doesn't let the rain and wind stop its shine. Trust the process. It may not always be clear, but I promise you, you won't be riding the eye of the storm forever. The storm may do damage, but in turn, there is always a blessing like the plants who may have been suffering in this 90º weather.

The storms of life will blow They're sure to come and go They meet us all at a time When I'm calm and doing fine

But the Captain of my soul He's always on board He rocks me in His arms While riding through the storm ...

Yolanda Adams Through the Storm