A devastating loss takes folks out of their dreams quickly.
But three decisive steps rescue the reeling.
Only three steps? Even after a hurricane, Helene or Milton?
It’s never too late to storm-proof the future.
The difference in survival before or after a storm is how you manage anxiety.
And later, loss.
I suggest three steps to safety.
But first, what about a common criticism of Hurricane victims: “The wise don’t live where floods or hurricanes prowl?”
I think it’s fair to say that there’s no place in the world where one can dwell without . . .
- storms
- sorrow
- testing
An old Spanish proverb says, “There is no home which does not at some time know its hush.”
1. A spiritual foundation withstands loss
Since any home can disappear, why not storm-proof the home dweller?
I thought my neighborhood was safe until an EF-3 tornado came through.
On Sunday night, October 25, 2019, ten tornadoes plowed through North Texas and flattened houses, buildings, and shopping centers in minutes.
Many sat roofless for a year or more.
The difference between the wise and foolish is not location.
It’s the foundation.
Not physical foundation, but spiritual foundation.
2. Prayer withstands loss
Thriving in chaos requires a spiritual foundation and fuel.
- The energy that works in pain
- The energy that works in loss
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” Psalm 40:1-3
Bono of U2 made a song called “40” out of these verses and closes concerts with it.
David Taylor interviewed Bono and asked him what he learned about God in the middle of loss.
“He listens,” replied Bono.
Then he asked him what one thing he had learned about himself from his life’s losses.
“I don’t listen enough.”
Taylor asks Bono one more question. “What is one difficult thing that God requires?”
“Honesty,” the singer replied.
Being honest about your loss, pain, anger, and disappointment can open a channel of wisdom, insight, and communication with God. I know. I have suffered many losses and much pain, which is why I write about the hope and recovery I have discovered in this blog.
3. Simplicity overcomes loss
Significant physical, emotional, or financial losses can deliver crushing disappointment and last for years.
However, they can also bring about a positive change in life.
One of those changes is simplicity.
The older I get, the more dignity, elegance, and power I see in simplicity.
I am discovering that truly deep folks have the genius of being simple.
Simplicity doesn’t mean easy solutions or easy to understand.
Simple means there are no hidden or double meanings.
By overthinking, we make problems worse.
But, if we seek simpler and better definitions of our problems, we make unsolvable problems solvable.
4. Land safely
Whatever your storm is at the moment, tap into the highest power.
“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.” Ecclesiates 12:11
Land safely in three steps . . .
- Hold on to faith
- Be honest with God
- Keep everything simple
What are your storm survival tools?