We face many storms in life, both literally and metaphorically, but one thing is certain, God is beside us through them all.
As Hurricane Ian makes his way across Central Florida, I’m reminded of October 10, 2018. It was on that day that Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Panhandle of Florida where we live. A category 5 storm, Michael was a monster, just as Ian is shaping up to be.
There is no way to truly prepare for the devastation that will be left in Ian’s path, just like there was no way for us to prepare four years ago. Overnight, Michael morphed from a CAT 3 storm to a CAT 5 and many residents who’d elected to remain rushed to local shelters or hunkered down in their homes as Michael began to impact the area.
Riding out that storm was an experience my family will never forget. In the aftermath, we were grateful to have survived, to be together, and to have the opportunity to recover. The journey was a long one, and we are still reminded of that day, even now, as remnants of Michael’s visit are still visible throughout the area.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
For me, there are many parallels between those first months following Michael and my first months in recovery. At times, the path ahead seemed overwhelming and fearsome to behold. My trust in God and my faith in His control over my life, that He works all things for my good, as scripture reminded me, were the cornerstone of my recovery. They still are.
I wrote this poem a few days after Michael. It seems fitting to share it now as a reminder that God is indeed with us through every circumstance we face. His promises are kept. His faithfulness is everlasting. His love for us fathomless.
We are praying for all the souls facing Hurricane Ian. That God delivers them safely from the storm and provides them the strength, forbearance, and the comfort they will need in the aftermath.
In the middle of
the raging storm,
the wind grew still,
the light took form.
All was calm
for a single breath,
as I passed through
the valley of death.
In the silence,
my voice cried out,
take my fear, Lord,
take my doubt.
Deliver me from this
violent storm,
protect my soul, Lord,
bruised and torn.
Then, above the wind,
I heard Your voice,
clear and stronger
than the noise.
“Come to Me,
My beloved daughter,
take My hand,
walk on the water.
I wait for you
on the other side,
beyond the wind
and the rising tide.
It’s here, with faith,
your eyes will see,
peace will return,
just trust in Me.”
JN Fenwick (© 2019-22) | mothjournal14
In the Eye of the Storm and In the Aftermath of the Storm, tell the of story of Hurricane Michael and chronicle the first year of recovery through the stories, poetry, art, and images of those who survived that day. I was so grateful to serve as the editor and a contributor on this project which raised money for relief efforts through book sales. Copies of both books are available through Amazon.