If someone in a neon-green jacket pounded on your door and shouted, "Get out now!" what would you want to take with you?
Did you answer, "The people I love?" Me, too.
Who is ever ready for that?
Thousands of Texans lived out that scenario in the last few days as the slow-moving disaster associated with Tropical Storm Harvey grinds on.
We can't take our eyes off the surreal footage from Texas.
Our hearts ache as we imagine their pain. Their loss. Not only of possessions but of security. Their deep sadness as reality sinks in. What was will never be the same again. Even after the rain stops.
Never ever.
Are we ghouls who love to witness destruction?
Uh-uh. I think it's also the power of that little voice inside that asks, What if that were me? Am I strong enough to survive? To deal with whatever comes?
Then comes the thought that makes us feel guilty: Thank God that's not me.
At least, not this time.
One thing we know for sure. Into every life rain will fall and storms arise. Each of us will face event(s) or situations that feel like a personal tragedy.
That's life in this fallen world.
Texas Gov. Abbott said on-camera that we all deal with challenges, but what defines our lives is how we respond to our challenges.
He ought to know. At age 26, Abbott was out running and a falling oak tree left him partially paralyzed. He's been in a wheelchair ever since.
Each of us has our own definition of "tragedy." How we respond will depend on who we are and what we stand on. What we believe.
Where do we find hope when the waters are rising all around us?
Phrases from an old hymn seem penned for the misery going on right now in Texas:
"My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness . . .
"His oath, His covenant, and blood Support me in the whelming flood . . .
"On Christ, the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand."
Rescue may not fully come and yet we must go on. That huge oak tree crushed Greg Abbott's spine. Despite skilled surgeons and rods of steel he could not walk again.
Losses comes in a variety of ways. A loved one dies and no amount of grieving restores life.
A job goes bye-bye or a business goes bust and we lose what we've known as "everything."
All we can do is watch and pray as our "normal" crumbles around us.
What we have is a Rock to stand on
Shelter in our storms. Refuge in our floods. Strong arms to hold us up when we falter.
The sure knowledge in our hearts and minds and yes, in our souls, that we are not hurting alone. Our Lord sees and hears and hurts with us.
After all, didn't He watch His Son suffer and die on the cross?
Didn't Jesus weep when his friend died?
"When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay."
The striking fact is how often these people in Harvey's wake speak of praying. Of trusting God to take care of them. Of "doing unto others, as the Bible tells us to do."
These are people who are standing on the Rock because they know Him--and they witness of Jesus Christ to the watching world.
Looking at Texas prompts us to consider our lives
It's good if we do so once in awhile, just to help us keep a balanced view of what really matters in life. Survivors almost always echo the same thought: "Our family is safe and that's all that matters. Somehow we'll get through this."
If that's true for adults, how much more for children.
To a child, Mom and Dad themselves are home and security. It's like the saying on gift shop plaques that reads:
"Home is wherever I am with you."
That's the bottom line for parents and kids and for all family members.
"Things" are not what makes for a good life. To know that's true all we have to do is check out the lives of the rich and famous
Right perspective restored
Whatever the situation, whatever our personal tragedy may be, if those we love are okay and we know our loving Father is watching over us, we are safe and secure.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Texan or not, even in the midst of trouble we have reason to give thanks. Life may never be the same and yes, it may be hard. But it is good because we possess what matters most. Life itself is a gift.
Be at peace, my friend,
Lenore
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