Stopping the hurricane...

I so distinctly remember the day. At about 15 my cousin and I thought it would be "fun" to go outside as the hurricane was coming. The wind was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It knocked us over. Attempting to put one foot in front of the other our "walk" didn't last very long at all. It was more like a crawl as we heaped laughing inside the front door. We were drenched to the bone and battered from the wind. The full storm wasn't even upon us yet. This was just the announcement that is was on its way.

Now so many years later, I think upon that day. I could go out in the storm and experience its force. Yet, I could not stop it. There is nothing that I could have done to hold back the wind and rain. It was a force to be reckoned with and I could not push it back. Withstand it, suffer through it, yes. But, stop it? No.

However, so often when working within the city it feels like I am attempting to stop a hurricane one rain drop at a time. There is a storm upon us and I feel helpless to do anything about it. Pain, hopelessness, despair have engulfed a people, a place and it seems like all I can do it weather it with them. Maybe I can offer a rain coat, or even some shelter, but there is no way to stop the storm.

This is a storm I will never comprehend. No one is protected from its path. It comes in the form of neglect and abuse. A six year old child who has been sexually molested by an uncle. A family that can not afford to keep its water turned on. An 11 year old who is acquainted with rape. Young men who believe their only option are guns and drugs. Laughter that can be twisted and stolen. This storm barrels and pummels all in its path.

Should I lie down and get blown away? Should I hide as I seek shelter? I can't save anyone, what can we do? That is when we become a light. This is when we draw together as a body of believers.

Some may be one single, solitary house that shine in the midst of a city. One family standing on the front lines. Others may join together as a a larger organization. No matter how we stand, it remains the same. Feet track dirt across our floors. Broken hearts that need healing knocking at the door.

Only the Lord himself can stop the storm. I can not promise that it will not come. I may not ever "get" this. However, one thing I do know is that storms can be ominous and dark. They do not have to be. Instead my house can shine out as a beacon of hope.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Christ dwells within us. He is the light of the world. He shows the way, when all is dark. His word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. His light gives heat. Sometimes we may have to show people how to weather the storm. I wish that I could say it does not have to be this way. I can not.

However, what I do know is that I can not hide my light. It matters too much. Pain and suffering can cease as the broken are made whole. As His light causes praise to ring out.