Lessons From The Storm

Kirk Franklin’s aptly worded intro says it all, “The myth is that storms have to do with punishment; that they are God’s response to sin or his disappointment in us as His children…”

Over the past three days, every news reporter with access to a green screen and storm tracker has unnecessarily set the teeth of the sturdy Eastern Seaboard on edge by declaring a virtual weather Armageddon in the form of Hurricane Irene. What’s worse is how many Christians have responded to the numerous doomsday reports with fear and a level of national preparedness unheard of since stop, drop, roll.

Like mynahs, we mimick the fears and panic of a lost and dying world, desperately trying to prepare for the worst. A few days ago, an earthquake struck the same stalwart East Coast. There was no warning, no indication. Simply uncontrolled tremors rocking even to the very heart of New York City. If the Richter had registered just 1 or 2 points above the 5.8 rating, millions of lives would have been lost in just a few seconds. How’s that for being prepared?

The saying goes “Prepare for the worst…” but that sounds contrary to the teachings of Christ who says “Ask and it shall be…” So you stocked up on water, so that you can live survive underground like a mole for 20 years?

So we’ve taught ourselves, or been trained, to prepare for the worst and as Christians we have done just that in every aspect of our lives. We expect the worst job, the worst outcome in all circumstances, we expect trouble and disappointment at every turn. Why hope for an ideal mate? Just marry the first person who shows any interest in you. Why try for a better apartment? You’re probably not going to get approved due to your bad credit anyway. Christians emulate the example of Eeyor more than Jesus and it is sad.

Apparently, the thought of a storm sends the holy terrors up our spines even more than living an unfulfilled life. I don't fear natural storms because they bring cleansing and awareness. Wind and rain force mortals to recognize their awesome unquenchable power to destroy. They force us to slow down and stay put.  They force us to...prepare. But instead of hording supplies that are bound to spoil or run out, why don't you prepare for a better life? Why don't you get ready for the shake up of your life an expect the miraculous instead of the mundane?

By now, you can tell that I didn’t rush to any store to stock up on anything in particular. I figured that if worse comes to worse, I’ll just join a zombie mob and munch on my well prepared former friends.

So the storm is passing over now. Whew. Aren’t you glad you were prepared?