Storms

A couple of nights before I started writing this installment, our neighborhood was beleaguered by dramatic thunderstorms. My grandmother, who grew up in, and lived a lifetime in Gwinnett County, called such loud flamboyant weather, “Electrical Storms.” This electrical storm was spectacular; jagged stabs of dazzling lightning danced across the skies; a colorful spectacle, something like lore of the Old Norse god, Thor, hurtling his jagged lightning bolts onto the earth.

Zach, my grandson and I stood spellbound in our carport, as this marvelous mixture of light show and sound unfolded—punctuated with continuous loud, crashing booms of thunder. As the thunder rolled, I thought of Rip Van Winkle who, having imbibed overmuch brew, offered by a strange sojourner, slept twenty years—through the American Revolution; he thought he was hearing games of ninepins played by his strange new friends. But when he awakened from his slumber, he discovered the booming noises were the the Revolution, not games of nine pins. The Revolution, now over—-had dramatically changed his world .

Storms can birth remarkable changes; both in landscape or life. That afternoon, in our neighborhood the only real drama was a fallen tree and utility pole across the major street that runs behind our house. One, or both, took out neighborhood electricity for six hours, blocking the street for the duration. Comparatively, there was no harm; when at the momen;t there were news reports of devastating flooding and storms in Appalachian areas of Kentucky.

Was there ever a more appropriate message than the one Charles A Tindley wrote? .
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea
Thou Who rulest wind and water,
Stand by me (stand by me). He goes on to say, In the midst of tribulation,
Stand by me…In the midst of persecution,…and, When I’m growing old and feeble,…

The past two and a half years of the Pandemic have reinforced the reality that you can survive, and actually thrive in the midst of storms. It is more than anecdotal that families and communities pulling together, become more caring, increasing the value of their relationships. Not all, of course, but many psychologists will point out the positive difference it makes in families and communities who—not just weather the storm—but also come out better for it. Basically, it depends upon their attitude—the only thing you have control of.

An emotionally disturbing, physically, and possibly life-threatening storm endangered the ancient prophet, Elijah. Chapter 19 tells the entire bazarre story; and yet—the prophet grew stronger and became quite the leader, having gone through the vision, and actual, storm.

A dramatic storm at night, in the midst of the Sea of Galilee, threatened a boatload of Jesus’ disciples. Terrified, they shook him awake, pleading for his help. Of course he calmed the sea, but I think, more importantly, his attitude and demeanor was just as calming for them. When a storm has passed on, we tend to relax; even in the midst of cleanup, we feel a sense of relief. Even more reassuring, and reinforcing is when someone demonstrates confidence, hope, and a sense of joyful anticipation; especially with a splash of humor in the situation.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2022

In the midst of a snowstorm, this humorous sign: