In August of 1991, Hurricane Bob slammed the East Coast for 3 days bringing more than a foot of rainfall to several seaboard cities. Inland at the time of landfall, I was hiking along the Appalachian Trail with a close friend and mentor. While the mountains served as some protection, Ken and I were side swiped, cutting our trip short by a day. Upon returning to Delaware, we became like storm chasers following the aftermath. When we approached the city of Wilmington, low lying areas were indistinguishable, unaware of where the Christiana Marsh began or ended, filled with floating vehicles and trains.
Like the James Taylor classic, “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain,” nothing could prepare me for the devastation I witnessed. Bridges swept away, pavement sunk into creeks and debris scattered in and along every waterway. Though I had endured an earthquake and waterspout earlier in my life, I had a front row seat, inside the ropes of this hurricane. While the 2013 Hurricane Season begins June 1st and ends November 30th, spiritual hurricanes can form at a moment’s notice.
In the early stages of storms, people are often uprooted from their comfort zones, blown into awkward situations. With a rising storm surge and no end in sight, panic can set in. When the eye passes overhead, false hope causes people to let their guards down. As this facade fades into the heart of the storm, the bottom right quadrant unloads its fiery on innocent bystanders. This final punch can knock someone out, surprised by power of a mere trial.
When my own hurricane subsides, I will be much wiser, able to see the signs of approaching storms in the future. Yet, for now I am holding on for dear life, waiting for the winds of change to die down. Like Job in the Old Testament, I am at a loss for words, experiencing a battle of the will. As soon as I see a rainbow, there will rejoicing. However, inside this hurricane, I have been blown to my knees, looking up and clinging to God’s promise in Psalm 4:1.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 