Storms Do Not Discriminate

According to Wikipedia, a storm is any disturbed state of an astronomical body’s atmosphere especially affecting its surface, and strongly implying severe weather. It may be marked by strong wind, hail, thunder and/or lightning, heavy precipitation, strong winds or wind transporting some substance through the atmosphere. Storms generally lead to negative impacts to the lives and property, such as storm surge, heavy rain or snow, lightning, wildfires and vertical wind shear.

Tragically, we do not give credence to the fact that everyone will experience some type of storm(s) during the course of their lives, whether it is physical, materialistic, weather related or spiritual. Some type of conflict can invoke a storm, which can intensify to various levels of a storm. This intensity depends on the updraft that will either ignite chaos and confusion, or stir up the will to band together and create a community of people rebuilding for the common good.

As we witness with the post tumult of Hurricane Sandy’s furor, we find that many victims are consumed with rage, turning them into monsters instead of supporters. Terror and desperation from the lack of food, gas and electricity, (some of the those necessities that we take for granted) is causing people to fight, turn on each other and even to commit horrific crimes just to survive.

As we look at the path of destruction that Hurricane Sandy, along with other natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Hugo, the major tornados that struck areas that usually do not get tornado activity, as well as the tsunamis that hit Japan and India, we see that these storms did not discriminate. Young and old, rich and poor, male and female, educated and illiterate were hit with the agony of feeling defeated due to the pattern of storm activity that surround every individual.

Another thing that is not discriminatory is God’s love. So often we lack the ability to see His love when we are in the midst of grieving and suffering. When we seek God’s guidance and direction in situations that look grim and hopeless, it is then that He will grant us peace to get through these tough situations and circumstances, so that we could lend a helping hand to others who may really need it.

Psalm 119:81-83 (NIV)

My soul faints with longing for your salvation,

    but I have put my hope in your word.

82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;

    I say, “When will you comfort me?”

83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,

    I do not forget your decrees.