A Hurricane...

When you live in an island, you become an expert on hurricanes.  You are able to identify the initial bands of rain and describe in detail how the wind speed increases. When the hurricane moves inward, you know when the eye is upon you.  How it is hot, humid, as you hear the rhythm of the wind.  It could last for about an hour, and then comes the turn.  When the turn arrives, do not find yourself out in the elements. The wind will not allow you to move.  If things, were not secured, more than likely you will lose them, for the wind will pick them up and either destroy, or throw them miles away.

I was left to the elements in the midst of a storm.  When all became calm, everything which had been rattled and shaken was now gone, and I have been thrown miles away.  The landscape was as unfamiliar as the people.  They were curious about the stranger in their midst.  They questioned my past, my credentials, even my character.  I felt awkward, confused, hurt.  However, how could it be any different? No one knew why I was there, or how I arrived.    

I gave no explanations.  Why tell them that I had been thrown by the storm?   “How could I?”   It was all was so painful and it would not change my circumstances.  I had to now learn to live in my new environment.  The loss I felt could not be measure.  I found comfort in relying on the Lord’s constant presence.  I knew he listened to my cry for help (Psalm22:24).  I knew he was rushing to help me and was giving me strength (Psalm 22:19) as I continue forward.

I still reside in the darkness valley but the Lord is with me (Psalm 23:4).  I know that his mercy and goodness will continue to be with me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6), so I choose to trust Him.  I am becoming familiar with the landscape, and I am learning to love the people.  May the Lord grant me grace in abundance, so I may do his work among his people (2 Corinthians 9:8).