Riding through the Storm

Well, at this moment, southeast Texas is bracing for the one of the biggest storms that has passed this way since Alicia in 83’. Ike is on his way and he has already sent a warning ahead of time. The Island of Galveston is already taking on water. I’ve been up since 5:30 a.m. and the water was coming over the seawall then; Ike is still about 18hours from hitting landfall. Although this storm is bigger than Rita, I don’t feel the sense of urgency among the natives. I do believe that we all are thinking more level headed and are really planning instead of reacting to panic. Three years ago we were heading to Cypress running from the storm. This time we are sheltering in place as we did 25 years ago for Alicia.
Do you remember Alicia? I do. I was 13yrs old at the time. They let school out then and to a kid that was great news. I remember the night before the storm hit, everyone in Scott Plaza and King’s Row Apartments were “hangin out” young and old. The wind had already begun to blow and those of us who were already in our night clothes, used our housecoats as capes and ran around playing like we were Superman and Wonder Woman J What a site! Some actually got on their rollerskates so that the wind could really lift the cape and you could fly. I remember neighbors talking to each other who normally wouldn’t speak. Everyone was concerned about the flooding and the snakes that would surely come because the bayou ran right behind our apartments.
The next morning she hit hard. Curiosity got the best of us and my sister and I ran to the window to see what was going on. The wind was sooooo strong that it actually moved the trash can from King’s Row parking lot all the way over to our parking lot. We saw tile from the roofs coming off and twirling with the wind. It was amazing. Of course we lost power, but because we had a gas stove, we were still able to cook regular meals. I know that we went at least a day without power; with Ike, it is projected that we could be without for up to two weeks!

Riding through this storm will be a test of faith and trust. Many are questioning whether or not we should have left for “higher” ground. I have a peace and contentment that we have made the right decision. I’m glad that I got the trees cut off and from around the house earlier so that shouldn’t be any problem. I’m up grading papers, (well – after I finish this) so that if the power does shut down, I’ll have that in order for when I go back to work on Monday. The storm that is coming reminds me of the storms that I’ve had in life just this year! It’s bigger than what I have ever seen such as the storms that I’ve been through so far. But I’m reminded of the song Yolanda Adams sang some years ago that gives me and has given me peace- just look at the words:

The storms of life will blowThey're sure to come and goThey meet me at a timeWhen I'm calm and doing fineBut the Captain of my soulHe's always on boardHe rocks me in His armsWhile riding through the stormChorusWhile riding through the stormJesus holds me in His armsI am not afraidOf the stormy winds nor the waves& though the tides become highHe holds me while I rideI've found safety in the Masters armsWhile riding through the stormI have no fear of the raging seasKnowing Jesus is there with meHe can speak to my winds and he'll speak to my wavesAnd he'll make them all behaveAll power's in His handsWhether i'm on sea or on dry landI found safety (safety) in His armsWhile riding through the storm
The part that is in purple is what I’ve been singing to myself for awhile. There were times when I was afraid but I was reminded that God hasn’t given me a spirit of fear but that of love and power and that He wouldn’t give me more than what I can bear. Whatever I THINK I’m going through, He’s bigger than all of that and as long as I stay in His arms, I’m safe.

I say this to you all, especially those who are here in Houston getting ready to ride through Hurricane Ike; be reminded of who our captain is and whether its Ike or a personal storm that you are going through, God is there to keep you safe. Even when your boat is rocking hard and the water is coming over the deck, know that you are safe because who is in control. God is so good and He is so faithful to do what He said; the question is, do you Trust Him to do so? Be safe –keep in touch and God’s blessing you all.