Weathering the Storm (05/25/2024)

The four of us were sitting in the downtown bar and eatery, visiting, not paying much attention to anything beyond our table, when I noticed everyone looking at the front window. So, I looked, too. The storm had arrived with torrential rain and ferocious winds. The wind violently flapped the awning over the front door. The heavy rain ran down the front windows in waterfall fashion. Then I spotted the umbrella with someone underneath. I could see the effort of the walker being pulled along by the wind. It was quite a spectacle. Determinedly, he made his way to the front door which someone opened for him, so he didn’t have to relinquish his tight grip on his umbrella. He stepped inside, and the patrons broke out in applause.  

How we love the one who perseveres, who weathers the storm! We find ourselves cheering for those who overcome the obstacles, who push on through the difficulties. We love the one who shows spirit, who hangs on and keeps on. Is it our human empathy for another? Is it a reminder of what unites us?

We are created by one LORD. We share our beginning regardless of its geographical location. We are, as Jesus taught us, sisters and brothers, and we all share one Almighty Father. As I watched the storm rage, the man with the umbrella struggle, and the reaction of the people, my mind honestly flew to Christ.  Each and every one of us was on Jesus’ mind and in His heart as He gave His life for us upon a cross on Cavalry.

The Father Almighty could have chosen a myriad of ways for His beloved Son to redeem us. Yet He chose the way of perseverance, of weathering the storm of hate, fueled by an unfathomable love. Our Savior, Son of God, overcame the obstacles, pushed through the difficulties, showed Spirit, hung on and kept on. All of this for love of us and love of the Father. And while at times it appeared that the storm was winning, in the end, ultimately, it was our beloved LORD, Jesus Christ, who was victorious. Is it any wonder that Easter brings us such joy?

I got a bit quiet for a short time as I took all this in, and my mind recognized the lesson taught to me anew through a storm and a guy with an umbrella. Before I went to bed for the night, I sat with the LORD on my porch and unpacked the lesson. I held the LORD’s love that made all this possible. I promised to pick up my cross and follow, to persevere, to weather the storm, knowing I did not go alone. I promised to live as an Easter believer, as one who knows what is possible with love. I acknowledged that there will be storms, there will be challenges. And when I prayed, “Be with me, LORD,” I knew I’d been heard.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.