Florida’s 2024 Hurnadoes

 My husband and i live in Florida but my husband has two houses in South Carolina. His daughter and her family live in one and he is building another house a lot away from them. He has dreamt of building a house for many years and finally set out on his adventure about 4 years ago. He always says that he wants to retire in South Carolina because it is calm and quieter there, less traffic, people are nice, and you don’t have to deal with hurricanes! Unfortunately, on September 26, 2024, hurricane Helene hit the Carolinas as a catastrophic tropical cyclone and tornadoes that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

The pictures and stories of the devastation and loss were heartbreaking to watch and listen to. Tears well up in my eyes every time I see or hear the news. I haven’t stopped praying for those poor unfortunate people.

My husband and his family were safe, thank God, however a 100-foot tree from the next lot over fell into our yard which damaged our roof, demolished the front porch and some kitchen wall damage.  The family was frightened but safe and without electricity for two weeks or more.

Then on October 10th Florida was hit with hurricane Milton who brought multiple tornadoes with him that did more destruction and damage here and in other areas that were previously hit by Helene. These weather disturbances were too close to home for me. The tornadoes ravished many homes, property and lives close to my home and some of my friends were affected as well.

I was prepared for Milton with food, water and shutters which I didn’t really need but better to have and not need than to need and not have. I was equipped in the physical realm and was gearing up with prayer and scriptures for my emotional and spiritual realm.

I really felt the presence of God with me all day and all night through the storm. I couldn’t sleep a wink with the wind violently rattling the shutters, I would have been better I think, without them. The thought of the tornadoes kept me on guard though. I kept praying that God would protect my home as well as many others, but even if I sustained damage, I reminded myself that God would provide for mom and I and our home. He would supply all our needs, and He would prepare a safe place for us. When I felt fear creeping into my spirit and mind, I started reciting my favorite scriptures that released peace into my heart. I surrendered everything and everyone over to God and knew that He was still in control even though the tornadoes were out of control.

I had to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not unto my own understanding and acknowledge Him in all my ways. I was determined to not have a spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind. The scriptures reminded me that God was my refuge and strength a very present help in this time of trouble. The bible commands me not to fear or be dismayed, for God is my strength and He will hold me in His hands. I listened to prayers on You Tube that brought me comfort and restored peace to my mind when the winds increased in strength and speed.

 I’m sure many others were doing the same as I was, yet some of them may still have sustained mild to catastrophic damage.  I have compassion for them and pray for them often. I don’t understand tornadoes and how or why they strike one house and not the next. They are very powerful and frightening and unpredictable.  I don’t know why God allows tragedy to happen to one neighbor and not the next, one business and not the other, one family and not those right next door.  I don't know why God answers prayers for one person just as they request and then another’s prayers are not answered as they hoped. Why does one person get healed and yet another passes on into eternity, both prayed. It may seem like God is out of control but that is impossible.

All I know is that God’s ways and timing are not our ways. He is unpredictable at times, but I know God is with us in all situations and He has good times in store for us. He will walk with us even in the valley of the shadow of death or in the eye of a hurricane or in the funnel of a tornado. God never leaves us, and He holds us in the palm of His hands. He doesn't love one of us more than another. We don't have to work to get Him to love us; He just does. God cares about all of us equally. I pray that those who have been affected by these storms will see firsthand the power and love of God in many practical and miraculous ways. God is seen in this world when men and women join together to help those in need, as they become the hands and feet of Jesus. I am thankful to be a member of a couple of churches that believe in assisting those who are experiencing tragedy with food, finances, and clean-up help wherever needed, as well as spiritual assistance and prayer. We don't just actively pray for the hurting, but we actively offer assistance, support, and restoration.

Let’s do the Right Thing, Because It is the Right Thing

There are people all over this world that are hurting and in need of a kind word or a good deed, no judgement or condemnation, just simple conversation, acceptance, a little love and a smile. You may never know how those little acts of kindness you do are going to affect the people you touch. Everyone is going through something, and life just keeps going on; if you’re ready for it or not.

You may greet people every day who appear to be living on the outside but secretly dying alone on the inside. We are to look out for the interests of others not just for ourselves. Philipians 2:4 I wish we could see into the hearts of others as God sees them, maybe we would be more sensitive to their needs and enthusiastic about sharing the love of God with them. Being bold and sharing our faith is what we are called to do.

As I walked to my seat Sunday at church, I passed a young man dressed in black sitting alone with his head bent forward. I felt drawn to him but didn’t approach him at that time. When it was time to greet each other, I left my chair to go talk to this man. I felt God gave me a word for him. I always have little cards with a gospel message on them to hand out to people. So I brought one to him and shared a word of encouragement that he received openly. I told him how I felt God leading me to him as I passed him earlier, and I spoke the message God gave me, he took his hand folded into a fist and pounded it to his chest as in appreciation and agreement. He never said a word. He didn’t need to.     

Only God knows what that man is enduring and only God can carry him through. I may never see him again, but I pray that the Lord will bless him and meet his needs.

When I feel led to talk to someone, I don’t ask God if it’s Him leading me or ask Him for a sign any more. I just feel like it is the right thing to do, and I do it. I have been correct about 99.9% of the time. Sharing God’s message or encouraging someone always seems to be good and to be the right thing.

Even If You Don't

I woke up at about 3:30 this morning after a restless night because of a very disturbing dream. I laid in bed trying to go back to sleep and not dwell on it, but unwelcome flashes of the dream kept invading my thoughts. I prayed for a while trying to clear my mind but to no avail, the nightmare remained. I finally drug myself out of bed, put on my walking clothes, and started my trek to serenity.

I listened to inspiring Christian songs on Pandora, while I waited for Max Lucado's book - He still moves stones, to download. I walked and praised the Lord, lifting my hands up in worship. The darkness of my night's thoughts were vanishing. I was able to free my spirit and regain control of my psyche. The mind is like a battlefield sometimes and we need to be soldiers armed with the Word of God, ready to fight for our peace and sanity.

I belong to two Bible studies and have many friends who have many problems, some more serious than others. As we do life together, we share each other's burdens, and lift them up to the Lord. Sometimes, our prayer requests seem overwhelming, desperate, hopeless and unbearable. I am determined to keep praying no matter how impossible the need might be. I find it difficult when I pray, to keep my mind focused on how big my God is and what He can do. Instead of on the problem itself. I know He is the God of the ipossible, but sometimes my thoughts wander over to the dark side. I must remember that He is the One who can solve each need, and He will do it in His own time and in His own way.

I am learning to trust God, to listen, to pray, and to release my burdens to God's plan and His will. Letting go of the darkness clears way for the Light to shine forth in my prayer life and to free my mind to continue to intercede in faith. I may not see the answers to my prayers, the way I want them to be answered but I know that God is able and He cares, He answers our prayers.

Even if God does not answer my prayers the way I hope, I still trust Him.

My hope is in Him alone.

Check out the song, Even if by Mercy Me.