Once again, childhood memories of sharing my birthday with yet another devastating hurricane resurfaced.
The rains came and the floodwaters rose, while we were out of town on vacation for my birthday week. My eldest daughter and Mom remained at the house with a generator. We received continued updates, videos, texts, and photos regarding the storm’s status, which left us unnerved and on edge. Thank God, for the report from home that offered a few moments of levity:
“OK Mom, we lost power.”
“Grandma is stuck in the Power Lift chair.”
“One fridge is out.”
“Pool in the back and in the front yard.”
“Water is about a foot within the house.”
“We are good so far.”
“Grandma is like, ‘You said we were gonna have ice cream at midnight …!'”
“No internet.”
“Water level is down.”
“Some water seepage, possible foundation issues due to flooding.”
“Was able to go for a quick gas run.”
“The Mayor of Houston has imposed a curfew … Grandma and I were gonna go out!”
“Electricity! Yay!”
Soon we’ll be headed back home, taking the routes with less flooding for travel. My heart and mind are filled with conflicting emotions. I am thankful to the Lord for watching over my loved ones, knowing that many lives were tragically impacted by this hurricane due to the flood waters. I also realize as hard as it is, losing stuff pales in comparison to losing loved ones. May we count our blessings – still having those safe and sound that means the most, well, everything else just seems petty.
My prayer: May our roots be grounded in faith strong enough not to be overwhelmed, even during the storms of life.
From the end of the earth will I cry to you, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2)
Reflections From the Heart 