Flash Floods

On By K.L. HaleIn Uncategorized

It was rapidly rising. Like a dream I watched a wave of water defeat the dry ground. Is this real? Will it stop? For a moment I just froze. In a blink of the eye things got serious. Fast. A river formed in my front yard. Momma said, “You always wanted to live by the river.”

Rivers have left their mark in my life. Memories flood and gush over me. Oh, the days of floating on old tires and cheap “floaties”. The cool waves were refreshing on hot and humid summer sun-filled days. Cautiously, we’d keep our eyes peeled for dangers lurking in or near the water.

📸-all photos-K.L. Hale

It was 1990 something. We (my family of 4 and my sister-in-law’s family of 4) perched our canoes on a gravel bar for tasty snacks. Afterward, it was time to frolic and play in the water. I’ll not forget how the sun’s rays created magic along the top of the crystal-clear waters. Suddenly I felt something slip off my finger under the water.   Oh no.  This ring had been gifted to me by my parents at college graduation.  The boys, and their cousins, halted their high jinks to help search.  Instead of going limp in the swiftness, like most times, I used all my strength to search in small circles around me.   My grit grounded me, and my sandals held solid.  Some in the group shared I was fighting a losing battle.  “How can I tell them I lost it?”

Some might call it luck. Not me. Glancing in the water a glimpse of glimmer caught my eye.  Could it be?  My face was slapped with cold water as I extended my hand to the golden gleam. Tucked ever so perfectly, between the rocks, was my ring.    Despite the choppy and speedy waters at my thigh, a steady and serene section rallied for my ring at the rock bottom near my ankles. I’m sure my shouts could be heard up and down the channel!  I wear that ring to this day. These are the water memories that flood my heart with faith.

I’ve lost, and found, precious things navigating the river of life.   Seek strength to withstand a swift “sweep me off my feet” moment. You can’t layout on the gravel bar forever. We all must clear the currents in certain conditions.  Find balance without babbling and back down from the battle.  Be bold.  Become buoyant.

Flash Flood 4/28/21-K.L. Hale-The house, Finley, and I are fine. 🤍

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; …Isaiah 43:2

I wrote “A River and Honey” last year. Memories of times at the river, with the Wilson side of my family, will be forever etched in my heart. This post today is dedicated to Lloyd Wilson, Jr.~Uncle Junior. 🤍 You were loved by many.
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71 thoughts on “Flash Floods”

  5. blindzanygirl

    I’ve never known floods like that but I have known being in the car and being swept along the road a bit. Yet that particular flood didn’t seem so bad. The car was damaged but we were ok. I have just found that using my newest iPad I can comment on your posts. I couldn’t before!

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  6. Those rising waters do ask us to move from our safe sand bar dear lady, and even when the water goes what it shows is that it has all changed…so we must too. Gladly your very fast rising waters was just a scare, as these things do. But it has left a lovely layer of silt over the ground to enrich the next lovely front lawn to be grown. Among those hardships a silver lining sleeps 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

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    1. Aw, such wisdom Mark. I had a few silver lining moments~I definitely needed the rains to wash away pollen, crud under the deck (I didn’t want to know what all lurked under there) and my sign that says “You matter Very Much” stayed in place. There’s always positives if we stop and look. I had a lot to process that day. And I had to stop my mind from stinkin’ think in’! Stay safe and blessed 💛🙏🏻

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  7. jpayne98

    I’m so happy for all gods blessings. And thankful that I could get there for you and Finley. I love you sweetheart ❤️. And prayers for your family in their time of loss. Love always and forever J🙏

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    1. Where do I start? You would’ve been on a boat for us. You would’ve waded high waters. You on the way, Kim in prayer~a great combination for this lady and her pup. We love you and all you do for us. As family members, just as my uncle now and my uncles before, pass to their heavenly homes, I’m flooding those closest to them with prayers and love. And my memories as a child to adult, and the role they were to me, flow ever so peaceful as the river. Forever and always, me and Finn. ❤️🙏🏻💛💚💕

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  8. Fortunate you are, feet stayed dry. When nature means business (a raging river) you know it!
    Dear Karla, A great story to remember those days when there are indeed times it
    may happen! Be prepared! It’s that time of year, right?
    Happy days dear friend, Eddie

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    1. Eddie, my friend. I had angels around me. I don’t mess with Mother Nature~but I do hold a power higher 😉❤️ it’s that time of the year for sure. Typically I’m more concerned of tornadoes. Unfortunately those occurred in SW MO at the same time. A lot of damage nearby but thankfully, no lives lost. I hope you have a wonderful and happy day too!

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  10. John Purvis

    A very meaningful post. Sometimes the smallest of things have the biggest of meaning to us. Your faith in trial saw you through. Take care my friend. John

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  11. How precious the memories He flooded your heart with as your front yard became a river of remembrance. Dear Karla, these words are a beautiful way to describe how God gives us beauty in the messes of life. Thank you sister for this blessing. Love Julie

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    1. Julie, I’ll not forget how your post, “Peace on the River” spoke to me that very day. I had not remembered about losing my college ring until I thought of the swift waters and what’s uncovered underneath. There really is beauty even in the messes. Thank you for your never ending encouragement and support sister. ❤️💛💚 blessings to you and yours

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  13. Oh this story “rings” true, the losses and finds, how powerful something so simple and essential as water can be! We’re in a drought here in California so seeing water in abundance seems like a blessing! Stay safe dear friend, sending up prayers for you and yours, C

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    1. I like your play on words 😘 our crazy states are like their own countries. I would have gladly given you some water dear friend. All is well now and today was the most beautiful day. I tuck those in tight and enjoy every moment. ❤️💛🤗

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  15. Vicki

    I am putting your I’ve lost & found precious things in my journal with your permission. I definitely need this as the last 3 weeks have been a study in “patience” with not 100% success! God reminds me every morning that it’s a new beginning & you can’t change yesterday just try harder today! I had you on my heart when watching the weather for your area didn’t realize you were flooding! God truly blessed both you & Jeff by putting you in each other’s life! We are in a semi drought here & really could use some rain but not a flood! Take dear friend glad you’re all safe! 💖💕😃💞🐦🌸🍵🌞🌈

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    1. V~what a beautiful gesture for me. Yes, please use these words to help in any way. I had to snap myself out of it pronto! It didn’t help that my computer was getting “hacked” that same day and I’m dealing with the Geek Squad WITH the rage of water. When I’m at the end of the rope HE is always there. And back I climb. I like your studies of patience. I’m s student with you. I’m thankful for my blessings and I hope you get the rain you need. Please take care and hope to see you this summer. Love and hugs. ❤️💛💚🤗🐶🌈

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      1. Vicki

        It’s easy to despair or get angry when a whole lot is thrown at us all at the same time. God has had to remind me quite often the last few weeks that we have not because we ask not. When I’ve asked for peace He has answered & I’ve gratefully accepted praising Him for it. Just curious how you knew your computer was being hacked? Hope all is going well now. Can hardly wait to see you enjoy your family this month! 🌈😃🐦💗💙❤

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      2. What beautiful and wise words my friend. Thank you. Yes, peace is there when we seek and ask. I have a phrase “practice peace”. And that means I sometimes have to put up boundaries and block out all the noise. I have to do that to listen and focus. My computer went “off the rails” lol. It began with VERY bad and simultaneous emails. My antivirus shortcut was missing. When I tried to run it from menu my computer blinked but nothing. Text me sometime and I’ll tell you what was stated in the emails. I received something unusual from Microsoft. Interestingly my phone had the same antiviral app which stopped working too. I had to do a reinstall with the squad with a keycode and register everything again. They were trying to make me buy it again. It all started when my bank was drafted $50 and then things went wonky. You never know. Take care my friend. I hope you stay safe and blessed. ❤️💛💚💕♥️🤗

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    1. Jane, thank you for your beautiful response. I’m near a lake~Table Rock Lake {Branson is such a tourist area and I’m glad for the rivers and lakes nearby}. If you’re ever near this area please stop by. 💛

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  21. Oh my goodness! The closest I’ve come to this is when the toilet is clogged and the water starts to rise and I pray it doesn’t overflow the bowl. My blood pressure rises in that moment- so it is a great testimony to the Peace that Passes Understanding that you were so calm in the flood. He surely is our peace!

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    1. Your response made me giggle. I know well those blood pressure moments. And I was scared. But an overwhelming peace rushed over me soon after. I know why. 🤍💚❤ Thanks for stopping by and commenting my friend!

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  22. Wonderfully crafted analogy Karla! You possess a special gift in sharing life’s real moments with an application for every reader to grasp on to and hold tight, just like your precious ring. A small creek runs near my home. Occasionally the waters playfully leaves its bank after heavy rains, and the growing trees say “thank you.”

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  23. We can lose many things in this world, and have to work very hard to find them or be ok knowing they are gone. Jesus’ love is always there to be found. The glimmer beneath whatever waves may be pushing us down, or whatever clouds may be obscuring it, the one thing that will always keep us grounded but safely afloat.

    Keep in keeping in being awesome. 💛

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