In the early morning hours of September 16, Hurricane Sally deviated from the experts’ projected path and intensity.
Instead of the tropical storm headed for the Louisiana/Mississippi border, she veered right and made a beeline toward the Alabama/Florida state line and plowed ashore as a strong Category 2 hurricane.
Since Sally was only supposed to be a tropical storm, or a low Category 1 hurricane, I stayed at home alone. I figured we’d have heavy rain and some wind, but I’d just make it an early bedtime and sleep through her.
Wrong.
As each National Hurricane Center advisory came out, it was obvious that Sally was not following the script. Her winds increased. Her path shifted. I sensed the increased concern with the continuous storm coverage by the local meteorologists. As the night progressed, and as Sally made her VERY SLOW approach toward land, she spun off tornados and caused flash floods. I finally had to silence the alerts on my cell phone.
I found comfort watching familiar faces and listening to calm, familiar voices. I didn’t feel so alone.
And then, at 1:00 AM, my house went dark. Pitch black.
The winds were howling. It sounded like bricks were landing on my roof.
I prayed.
I quickly turned on my portable radio, which I had preset to the station I knew would carry the local broadcast. I was met with static. Frantic, I turned the dial…nothing. I switched over to AM and only got varying degrees of static. I could not pick up anything. My heart sank.
The wind picked up. The limbs fell faster and harder.
Desperate to drown out the noise, I found my pocket radio, put in my earbuds, and turned the dial. Again, nothing but static.
My eyes filled with tears. It was going to be a long, scary and lonely night.
I gave the dial one final turn and thought I heard a familiar song! I adjusted the dial…it was KLOVE! And it was broadcasting loud and clear!
Familiar voices and familiar songs were my instant companions in the dark.
Until dawn, I listened to encouraging songs. Songs with lyrics that spoke directly to my anxious heart. Songs like:
Peace Be Still, by Lauren Daigle:
“I don't want to be afraid
Every time I face the waves
I don't want to be afraid
I don't want to be afraid
I don't want to fear the storm
Just because I hear the roar
I don't want to fear the storm
I don't want to fear the storm
Peace be still
Say the word and I will
Set my feet upon the sea
Till I'm dancing in the deep
Oh peace be still
You are here so it is well
Even when my eyes can't see
I will trust the voice that speaks
I'm not gonna be afraid
'Cause these waves are only waves
I'm not gonna be afraid
I'm not gonna be afraid
I'm not gonna fear the storm
You are greater than it's roar
I'm not gonna fear the storm
I'm not gonna fear at all
Peace be still
Say the word and I will
Set my feet upon the sea
Till I'm dancing in the deep
Oh peace be still
You are…”
….Stand In Your Love, by Josh Baldwin:
“My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I stand in your love…”
...and Waymaker, by Michael W. Smith:
"Waymaker,
miracle worker,
promise keeper,
light in the darkness,
my God, that is who you are…”
I sang along, loudly. My heart was calmed and encouraged.
Hours slipped by… and I may have even drifted off to sleep for a bit…
Curious, I turned the dial…but the airwaves were static-filled.
I turned back to KLOVE and I knew…
Even above the raging storm, God had heard, and answered my prayer for the familiar.
I was not alone in the storm.
God was tuned in.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!
Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
~ Joshua 1:9
Commenti