Sunny skies and the school were a warm welcome to the day. Kids amaze me. They’re as true as rain. Authentic to the core. My friend Steph shared her retirement plan with a student. The wise girl replied, basically, “You live, teach, retire, and die.” Ouch. Giggles. Today the students had complete confidence in their safety and well-being. Forecasts are tricky. Storms are coming. These aren’t drills.
Sunny skies
Storm Watch
Another tornado watch. The bright sunny sky has darkened with gray clouds. The hot and humid wind is swirling the leaves. Water remains pooled up from the last storm. I can prepare for the worst, and expect the best-I have complete confidence that I have no control.
Storms devastate—atmospherically, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
“In this hour, I do not believe that any darkness will endure.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
Storm Warning
A trip to the E.R. helped me overcome a pain crisis, another scan, more scattered lesions, a bulging disc, and new medication. A compassionate call with my nurse identified the watches and warnings–a storm ahead if I don’t comply.
In what ways do you shift in stormy situations? Do they sideline and cripple your confidence? Do unforeseen circumstances flatten your faith?
“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Twisters
School ends, and summer begins. Future days include sunny skies, holidays, BBQs, family gatherings, and vacations. A cycle of storms, homelessness, poverty, and loneliness. I’m forecasting laughter, joy, fun, and memories- torrential tears, trials, and temptations. The Farmer’s Almanac can’t predict a mental health crisis, yet we know it’s here. How do we protect our crops? Do you have confidence in things NOT SEEN? There’s a storm warning every day. Can we…will we…? Help a neighbor take cover in compassion, seek shelter in our Savior, and create a safe place in our Creator. Storm drills caused me to question God; surviving the storms built my confidence—a concrete soul shelter.
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12
I’d easily lose my confidence again if I was convinced of consensus–confusion, catastrophes, cynicism, callousness, combativeness, and contrary. With complete confidence, I’ll seek that which is courageous, courteous, compassionate, and cheerful.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” — Corrie ten Boom
“Any faith that must be supported by the evidence of the senses is not real faith.” — A.W. Tozer
Have faith 🤍
- Heavenly Home
- Finally Flowing: The Finley River Collection is up & running!
- April’s Anticipation
- Praiseworthy People
- Mercy Me, March!
