Though Storms Keep coming

I know it’s been a while since I  posted anything, so thought I would come out of hibernation and let you know what’s been going on!

I have this nasty habit of not being able to focus on multiple things at the same time. I’m either thinking blog, or I’m thinking story. Multi-tasking skills skipped this lady in a sorry sort of way!

The bad news is, I haven’t been writing much for blog content. The good news is, my book is taking on more flesh! It’s quite exciting and simultaneously frustrating to work with these characters who have no idea how to cope with the strange twists of circumstances that tears them from the life they’ve always known. Come to think about it, I don’t think they were handling “life as usual” very well either. What’s new? Hopefully, before the end of the book, they will learn a thing or two!

Talk about strange twists of circumstances, my prayers go out to all of you who nature’s ravaging temper attacked these past few weeks. With many friends and family in Florida and Puerto Rico, I’ve been praying that the One who calms storms will intercede and protect so many precious lives, and be present during the long and arduous affair of rebuilding what has been loss. For most who live on the island, they will experience life as it was a few generations back. No power means no air condition, cautious use of cell phones (if and when those towers get restored) no ovens, gas only stoves–or wood fires, no internet, and no *gasp* television. Some have generators, but I expect the price of fuel will sky-rocket. Many are homeless, although PR fared better than many other Caribbean islands. My biggest fear is, for lack of communication and easy travel, crime will expand in an already crime hassled region.

One of the things I love about my island family is their propensity toward finding humor, even in difficulty.

“Why was Maria such an angry storm?” They asked. “Because José, the shameless fellow, took off after Irma.” check here 🙂

While searching the news, I read about the devastation in Mexico following this last earthquake. Terror struck midday Tuesday, with offices and schools fully occupied. A large educational facility with several hundred students collapsed. Desperate family and friends dig through the night and day, frantically trying to find survivors.

I cried as I read about one girl who, from inside the rubble, texted her mother begging for help. She and several other students were trapped. I could feel the intensity of emotions that mother felt knowing her daughter was among those living, and the panic she felt wondering if they could get her out in time. That story, unlike many others, ended happily. Please pray for those trapped alive and the rescue workers as they risk their own lives to find them.

How frail we are, how little power we truly have over our lives. We live always a breath away from death. I wish I understood the why’s of God allowing such horrors to occur. It would be easy to understand if only the evil suffered, but God’s children and those who reject Him suffer the same fury.  Our end fate, however, is not the same, and because of that, peace in the midst of the storm is possible. This is a sober reminder that every day may be our last, and to seek to daily live in peace with the One that is Sovereign over everything, trusting that He loves us through what storms may come. We can praise Him in the Storm. (Love this song.)

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms (with no hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes) If it were not so, would  I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-4 ESV

Let us pray for our brothers and sisters struggling to overcome the tragedies of the past weeks, and reach out to help every way we can. 2017 will not easily be forgotten, and it’s not over yet. In whose hands do you rest?

What are some ways to help? I read an article today in the AFAR magazine for travelers. They made some good recommendations: Donate to more than one charity, different organizations do different jobs. Give to recovery, not just immediate relief. Consider holding some of your funds to donate a few months from now when need will still be great, but funds diminishing. Volunteering may be helpful if you are willing to rough it, get very dirty, and not be an additional burden that needs babysitting. You will also want to make sure you are up on immunizations and carry a ton of bug spray. Check with local organizations and ask how you can help.

Thanks for joining me.

Brenda

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