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Coffee & Jesus Moment: The Hurricane of Life



  

  Well, “ya’ll”, my Louisiana Cajun critters, I went through my first hurricane at 32 years old. I’m a native of Michigan, where the weather doesn’t categorize wind strength. We have all the seasons of the year. Snowstorms are counted by inches, Elsa may blow in an ice storm, and we do have an occasional tornado. Our weather is pretty laid back compared to hasty hurricanes. But, don’t worry, it was only a “Cat 1”. A category one hurricane is the mildest and most meek. Gusts can reach about 40-75 miles per hour. Those gusts blew memes around Facebook. Some of those included felines flying through the air. Tropical storm “Barry” was more of a kitten. We are blessed he didn’t grow into a tiger with sly stripes.

As a little girl, I was terrified of storms. My dad would sit me down and ask me, “Who is over the storms?” I would reply, “God.” In times of possible drowning disaster, hold on to Jesus’ cloak. Remember, He is in control of every facet included in a tempest trial. He calms the white-wash whips of the ocean. God, the helmsman, turns the ship’s wheel towards “protection harbor”. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Fear did creep in through an open crack. Thoughts of “what could happen?” tampered with my mind. Could it flood disaster in Houma? Would we have to evacuate? A questionnaire needed to be erased by God. I needed to revisit the daddy-daughter conversation, “Who is over the storm?” My almighty God is over storm “Barry”. What shall I fear? Nothing! God caulks the open fear lol cracks. He’ll keep fear from flooding into open mind crevices. He always works everything for good. 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."  Psalm 56:3

His goodness and mercy abounded as the storm turned slightly West. The wind eventually slowed and went silent. The rain subsided. It’s as if God locked the rain drops in cloud boxes. God protects His children. I have not only experienced the “covering of his feathers” through this storm, but through the hurricane of life. Life can be a category 1-5, but God is category faithfulness through love. He will never leave or forsake us. His promises float our boat through the flooding trial waters. He is the helmsman of our lives. 

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

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