Riding out the Storm

Charley, Ivan, Katrina, Rita, Wilma, Ike and Harvey are names that many of us would like to forget. These are the names of the worst hurricanes to hit the United States since 2004. The winds and waves destroyed millions of dollars in property and cost thousands of lives. These were just the beginning of many problems that came because of these deadly storms. The aftermath of these storms changed lives permanently. Many families separated during the rebuilding process, some physically, some mentally and others emotionally. For some, the rebuilding continues. Many people left the areas for new opportunities while others remain homeless.  The worst part may be that dishonest people took advantage and stole thousands of dollars from the already victimized residents.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita changed my life forever. For nine months, my wife and children would be apart. One son went to college as expected, but my wife and other son lived 371 miles away. This is a result of my house being destroyed by floods caused by Katrina and failed levees. Local schools were barely an option. Thanks to the kindness of strangers who paid for his school and supplies in his temporary city. Thanks to our sisters who gave us shelter and more.

Just a few years later, a tornado damaged my new house in my new town.  Sometimes, I wonder if the storms will ever cease.

Now, Hurricane Harvey is flooding Southeast Texas. Rain continues to pour. As I watch the news, I relive many tearful moments that I experienced in 2005. My heart cries out to the newest storm victims. Rescue workers and neighbors are helping those in trouble.  Many lives will never be the same. Repairing homes while holding on to sanity is difficult. This may simply be a result of everyone needing help. The people they would most likely rely on for help is in need of help themselves. As for this storm, it appears to be looping around preparing to hit again and hitting other areas, as well.

During the storms that I have endured, I learned that things are just that, things. Everything I have is just a luxury, even my house. I do not need things, but I am glad to have them. I miss a few things that I previously owned, but I learned that I could do without.

Storms are temporary. People make repairs. People go about their lives to one extent or another. However, there are worse storms than hurricanes.

The winds and waves are nothing compared to the storms in our hearts and minds. Bad things happen, but how you process things can bring success or failure. Many people focus on the negatives. They only see the problems. It is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when the darkness envelops the tunnel. We need to refocus our eyes. We need to have faith. Rather than seeing problems, we need to see opportunities to improve. See a better tomorrow.

Storms that people face daily vary. Some deal with family issues, financial problems or bad health. Others face depression, regret, or bitterness. You are not the only one to face any particular storm. Unlike with hurricanes and tornados, we cannot see with what others are dealing. Someone has faced the same type of storm as you. Many are facing those same storms now. Do not be ashamed to seek help. Do not be ashamed to be a rescue worker for someone else. Some just need someone to listen.

I was just doing my job after Katrina and one woman seemed overwhelmed. She began to talk to me, and I just listened. As she told her story, it brought her some relief. She allowed me to pray for her. It is all I could do.

You may think that you cannot help. You may not be able to see past your own problems. However, we are not in the storms alone. We need each other.

I have always hated the saying that "perception is reality". That is not correct. Other people perceive things about me that are inaccurate. Their perception of me or my situation does not matter, and it is not my reality. It should not matter to you either. The only thing that matters is what you perceive about you and your situation. Do you see yourself in a hopeless situation? Then you are in a hopeless situation. If you believe that there is a better tomorrow and the world does not revolve around your storms, then there is a better tomorrow.

Stay positive. Have faith. Trust God. Ride out the storm. Be strong. They may seem like they last forever, but they do end.