As I write this post, Americans are enduring tragic situations in every direction. Cat 5 Hurricane Irma has already ravaged the Caribbean islands in the Atlantic, and is pounding its way through southern Florida and is predicted to continue up through Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Several of the authors who share this blog with us have homes in Florida. Meanwhile fires are raging across Washington state, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, northern California and in southwestern Canada. People in Houston, Texas and the communities on through southern Alabama are in cleanup mode following horrendous flooding from Hurricane Harvey. And only three days ago we heard about the 8.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Mexico, the worst in 100 years, that is affecting Central America as well as much of Mexico.

Where do we find the strength we need when our lives are thrown into turmoil? We look to the Creator of the Universe, the One who calms the seas, the God who holds us in the palm of His hands. These are the times that test our faith, but they are also the times that strengthen our faith if we will only hold fast to his promises. I’ve been going through a different kind of personal storm of my own, and it has often helped to imagine myself in a yolk with Jesus at my side as I tackled one step after another in my own battle.

Our children watch and see how we respond to turmoil that comes our way. They will either gain confidence in themselves and in God, or they will become fearful and sullen, as they see how we handle our storms.

Before we can effectively model faith for our children, we must spend personal time in God’s Word and in prayer. Pour out your heart to God, it’s OK to be brutally honest with him as he understands where you are coming from. Then listen in silence for him to speak to your heart and calm your soul. He does care about what you are going through, and he wants you to feel his love. Read several Psalms each day.

My mind is drawn to Christian music that has ministered to my soul many times over. I will share a few in hopes they may help in some way as you work your way through whatever storms might be passing your way.

In Christ Alone – Travis Cottrel

‘Till the Storm Passes By – The Grace Thrillers

I Go to the Rock – The Crabb Family

And let us recall too, how our communities come together in times of disaster, and we see miracles of love in places where hate once may have reigned. I pray for these miracles in the wake of the disasters our country is enduring. May our hardships lead our country to once again pull together for the common good of all.

Blessings – Laura Story

He Knows My Name by Maranatha Singers

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