IProverbs 10:25 "As the whirlwind passeth......the righteous is an everlasting foundation."
I was in Louisiana visiting, in March, on the day the devasting flood hit the area, wreaking havoc on the local church where our daughter and family and many friends live. I was flying out of the storm and witnessing, via Facebook and texting, the horror of the storm. Safely back in my dry Missouri home, I was feeling their pain, because I had personally witnessed the rising water that day. I actually saw it happening; and there was not a thing anyone could do. It came suddenly and destructively; a horrible disaster.
I have also stood paralyzed, as a tornado passed uncomfortably close right before my eyes. There have been many times I stood, as the storm howled, with no protection, praying God would keep His hand over me. In my life, I have witnessed storm devastation time and time again!!!
What really amazes me are the men who enjoy the storm chasing. I have listened to the reports of these excited individuals as they expose themselves to the elements for whatever reason. I am told there is a thrill in the endeavor to capture the rare beauty of the sky and land in a storm. The excitement of the moment is laced with the mystery of not knowing what is unfolding around you. What really wowed me was observing the mammoth Tornado Intercept Vehicle which is armored and equipped with high tech instrumentation to detect and warn and also enable men to sit in the middle of a 150-175 mph winds and watch it all. When most are seeking shelter, these machines are heading into the storm.
What started as thrill seeking has developed into a science that is benefiting the National Weather Service and the public in general.
I can't say I'm a storm chaser. In truth, I hate storms! But I have to admit I analyze the amazing variance of the emotions that are graphed during the storms! Excitement, unbelief, horror, amazement, and thankfulness all mixed together. Sometimes, storms are unexpected and short lived. Others are expected and can be quite a long lasting experience.
One author penned: " If you chase anything in life, chase the things that get you excited about living. Chase the things that give you hope, happiness and a glimpse of a better life. Chase the things that make you want to be a better person. Chase the things that inspire you to think, create and live joyfully. Chase the things that reinforce your soul that can make a difference. Chase the things that transform your heart from selfish to selfless. When you chase that kind of storm, you are chasing rainbows."
2 days ago, holding a sick baby, I found myself singing:
"In the dark of the midnight
Have I oft hid my face
While the storm howls around me
And there's no hiding place
Mid the crash of the thunder
Precious Lord hear my cry
Keep me safe til the storm passes by."
I think that was my way of chasing the storm. It gave me hope and courage. It gave me grace to hold the fevered grandchild and believe that "this, too, shall pass!" It inspires me to sing in a storm! That's my way of making a difference.
I also returned to Louisuana and observed some of the tired backs and stretched emotions, yet the selfless giving to bring back white walls and new creation to the flooded church I had walked away from in March. Someone had been chasing some storms. I saw a rainbow there.
I observed the dreary storm predictions in the weather forecast this week. I live in the Midwest. Fear can strike you when you hear "Some storms may be severe".
I've been through a few.
I am also witnessing hopelessness in the political storms that are surrounding us. I see despair on the faces of the broken hearted and the broken in spirit. This generation is scared of the future. Storm clouds surround us.
It's time to chase those storms! Offer hope in the God of All Ages who has stood the test of time!!!! Get into your Interceptive Vehicle. Ride out the storm with Someone who has endured some strong winds and can pilot us through! Chase the things that strengthen you! Fortify your Foundation like the wise man! Build on the Rock!
Be a Storm Chaser!
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