Saturday 9 September 2017

Facing the Storm

Posted By: imamsahara 06:05:00 Leave a Reply

Fox 30 Action News JAX

While we still have power, it's a good time to slip in one more blog post from my home in northeast Florida. It is Saturday morning, cloudy outside, windy, raining, and a dark atmosphere at 8:45am.

It is probable we will lose power at some time, so my blogging will go silent during that time. On a brighter note, we live in the same electrical grid as a hospital, so they say our power will come back on sooner than in other areas.

At this point our forecast is for the strongest winds to start around 2-3pm on Sunday, with the most severe gusts overnight. Parts of our area are under mandatory evacuation but our house is not in those areas, so we are staying put.

We are prepared to "hunker down" in the laundry room with comfy pillows and snacks at the ready, and a bathroom just steps away. We'll be in the center of the house, out of range for flying glass, should it come to that.

I've tucked towels into all window sills to slow down any wind-driven water that might try to come in; later this morning I'll be filling the bathtubs with water to help with toilet flushing, should water problems arise.

We've got a jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table, and I've got my coloring book with a variety of pencils and pens in many hues to keep my hands busy during the tense times.

The forecast for our city is frightening. Even if Hurricane Irma does not track directly over us, it appears we will be on the "more dynamic side" of the storm. That's meteorologist speak for "more dangerous."

City leaders tell us to be in place by 8pm this evening. Beloved heard that when the winds get to 40mph, the Florida Department of Transportation closes the bridges. That would seal our fate right there since we have to cross any of a number of long bridges to go north or west.

At this point we could still evacuate, however, we have not been told to do so, the roads out of the area are heavy with traffic and there are gas shortages. Given the choice between sitting inside our house or sitting at a standstill in our car, the former is more preferable.

Many people have sent us lists of things to do to prepare for times such as this. We have learned a lot and put into practice those ideas that made the most sense for our circumstances. This is a whole different matter from preparing for snow blizzards. I have to say, I prefer the cozy anticipation that comes with getting ready for snow!

The prayers of family, friends, and the many across our nation who are speaking to the Lord on behalf of all Floridians are sincerely appreciated. We continue to pray that the storm will just fall apart, while also asking for minimal effects. The storm has changed several times over these last days, so anything could happen, good or bad.

I am reminded of the Old Testament story of the prophet Elijah when God told him to go out and stand before Him on the mountain. As Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. (I Kings 19:11)

As terrifying as this weather is, we are experiencing a storm that is in the hand of our loving and most wonderful God. He will turn it as He wills to accomplish His purposes, which are wise. While we don't understand the "why" of it, I am looking for what God is saying to us about Himself. There is a message for each of us. We need to listen. Let's not miss Him.