What a raging storm this week! I am speaking of the perfect storm of 2012, named Sandy. How strange that sand was exactly her target as she tore up the shorelines of the East Coast. However, her reach was even more intrusive and her winds unforgiving as she invaded our nation this week, reaching over 1, 000 miles. Unprecedented and historic were synonymous with monstrous and troubling. Her impact will be felt for years to come and her memory unforgettable.
The hurricane named Sandy locked arms with her violent stormy friends, calling it the “Perfect Storm.” What was so perfect anyway? The scenario could not have been worse with the rising tide, full moon and collision of several different storm fronts, hitting land at night. The playing field leveled and all shared the same common bond—survival.
It made an indelible impression on innocent victims, no matter the position, title or economic status of anyone standing in her way. She was ruthless and not a respecter of people or things. Sandy combined with a Nor-Easter and changing temperatures and record-breaking surges brought different elements and affects. From snow blizzards to floods and destruction, people clung to their lives from the top of roofs to the top floors of high-rises,waiting for the storm to pass by.
The rest of the nation watched with non-stop media coverage. Warnings were given and evacuations required, however, some weathered the storm, as they had nowhere to go. Miraculously, few lives were lost compared to the mass destruction. Burning neighborhoods, grounded oil tankers and dangling cranes were only a few marvels as part of our nation begins the cleanup process. Assessing the damage and estimating the losses, each day the recovery bill increases with insurmountable costs. We were alarmed with the report that one-fifth of our nation felt the impact of this huge storm. In reality, we all have been impacted by the vast destruction in a world that appears self-sufficient. Strangely, Sandy’s name means, “defender of men; protector of mankind. “The derivative of Sandy is Sandra, which means “helper of humanity.”
Help? Truly the storm helped us to see that life is surprising, fragile and temporary, at best. Hectic schedules are interrupted and busy cities shut down in a moment. We were reminded that lives are to be valued and things can be replaced. Communities can work together and hope is more than a mere campaign slogan. The beauty is seeing the American spirit and kindness linked together as they wait out the storm and help rebuild.
What about your own storm? Perhaps it is not televised and you had no advanced warning either. Still, you are rebuilding the ruins that came to you and possibly you were the victim. As you have assessed the damage you might have felt depressed with little hope of recovering your losses. Perhaps the divorce has left you alone and the bankruptcy left your house in shambles. The sickness may be unbearable and the diagnosis incurable . You may not know how to rebuild your life after the failures of yesterday, and you may feel like you are running with shackles. You cling to something teetering and your feet are on shifting sands. Do not lose your grip on the lifeline that is thrown to you in the storm.
The Lord shall be your refuge and strength. He will never leave you. He is called the Great Redeemer and he delights to redeem the time, restore your losses and renew your path. He will rebuild, establish and sustain you. He alone will keep you safe in the midst of the storm.
Keep your eyes focused on the horizon just ahead where the sky is the limit! Bright days are about to dawn.
When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!