Good News October 2017 Broward

MUSIC will press forward and lean into the arms of our Abba fa- ther, seek His face and ask how we can rise up and be part of His perfect plan in the midst of the storm. Weathering the storms of life requires 1) community and contribution, 2) deep roots, 3) preparation, and 4) gratitude. Community and contribution Can we climb a ladder into God’s peace that passes understanding or lend a lad- der of encouragement to life someone’s sorrowful soul? Can we bring food – physical and spiritual to their home and hearts or seek it from others? Can we help tear down shut- ters – blinders that cover our eyes and lead us to sin or hold us back from God’s grace, love, and mercy? Are we willing to come alongside one another with our strengths and gifts and clean up the debris in their lives. As we cooked food for neighbors without power, in- vited family without power over for hot showers and air conditioner, and helped put on and take down shutters, we created a sense of kinship and found joy in the opportu- nity to serve and experience moments of kindness and unity. We are all in this to- gether. Romans 12: 4-8, re- minds us of the value of a diverse community. Each of us are given unique gifts to contribute to the body of Christ. It is only in community that we are whole. As we are hit by the storms, that commu- nity also brings comfort (Ro- mans 12:15). When we weave our lives together be- fore the storm, we have a strong foundation of strength and comfort when the storm hits. Deep roots As I drove through my community, there were nu- merous trees that had fallen. A shallow root system stuck up from the ground at the base of the trunks of most of the trees that had fallen. They were easily uprooted and top- pled in the storm. Those trees that had sunk their roots deep survived and continued to thrive. How can we create deep sustaining roots in our own lives? For me, it is setting a time for prayer and medita- tion at a specific time daily, at- tending an engaging church, and talking with others about what God is doing in their lives and in your life. What about you? Preparations Just as we stocked up on non-perishable food and drinks, fueled our cars, and re- inforced our homes prior to the hurricane, we must do the same prior to the storms that surely will come our way in our personal, family and profes- sional lives (1 Peter 4:12). There are a variety of things you can do to invest in things that won’t perish, that will fuel you, and that will help you stand strong in the storms. This can include dedicating 15 min- utes a day to memorizing verses that remind you of who God is, His power, and His promises so they are ready to fuel and sustain you in turbu- lent times. Take notes during church or while listening to a Christian podcast, and reflect daily on how you can apply the teaching to your life. I invite you to comment online with other things that you do that prepare and fuel you. Gratitude God gives and takes away, but in it all He is good (Job 1:21). In the midst of the miracles, small blessings, and moments of strength and comfort, thank Him. He is faithful. And, in the moments of confusion, seasons in the wilderness and deep sorrow, thank Him. His is faithful. He, as the song says, is the God of hills and valleys. No matter where we find ourselves, if we are seeking Him, we are not alone. We are invited to follow Him and experience God as He protects us, uses us, and molds us within His perfect plan. Terry Morrow Nelson, Ph.D. is an assistant dean and assis- tant professor at Nova South- eastern University. She is also president of the Partnership for Leadership and Transformation. Terry is happily married with two small children.