Sleep in the storm

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26: 3) 

A week ago, I began preparing for what many in the media were calling the “Storm of the Century.” Hurricane Ian was forecast to hit Florida’s Tampa Bay area as a category 3 storm, with winds of up to 129 mph or more. After rampaging through FL, storm models showed it heading straight to the coastal region of GA, where I live. With predicted wind gusts of 65 mph through my town, I wasn’t going to take any chances.   

Over the course of several days, I removed all lightweight yard ornamentation – including solar lights, yard decorations, and flags. As hurricane trackers upgraded the storm to a category 4 – with sustained winds of 155 mph – I pulled the shepherd’s hooks from my yard that were holding windchimes and plants. I even laid down my concrete bird bath and blue heron statue. Could winds like that knock down concrete? I didn’t know, and I didn’t want to find out.   

Power outages were expected, so I prepared macaroni salad and egg salad to be eaten cold, if necessary. I recharged all my batteries, got out my battery-operated lantern and weather radio, and began filling jugs of water in anticipation of public water being shut down in the aftermath of the storm. I cleared my screen porch of furniture and knew I couldn’t do anything more – except pray.   

One of my friends advised me to leave. “Nope,” I said. “I’ve evacuated before. I’m staying. God is in control.”   

My boss told me to stay safe. “I’ve done everything I can,” I replied. “I have no fear. It’s in God’s hands.”   

Two days before Ian was expected to make landfall, I photographed the 6-foot-tall canna lilies in my yard with a spectacular sunset behind them. My soul was at peace. Our Creator’s hand is on the weather. I trust Him implicitly.   

And then the winds came. Ian hit Florida with a vengeance – packing 155 mph winds and bringing storm surge and rains that flooded areas from the west coast near Sanibel Island to central Orlando. Homes were swept off their foundations. Palm trees were uprooted. Buildings collapsed as wind, rain, and stormwater swept in from the Gulf and over anything in its path.   

When the storm’s outer bands first hit my area, the 55-mph wind gusts were bending trees and causing general havoc. My power was still on when I went to bed, but I suspected it would be a rough night. I was wrong. I heard nothing overnight and slept like a baby, scarcely remembering that a hurricane was nearing my doorstep.   

When I awakened the following day, I was shocked at the change in the weather. A 20-degree temperature drop was ushered in as the winds continued to hit the coast near me. More importantly, Ian had taken a dramatic turn, moving out to sea through the night. My area would be spared. What’s more, previous forecasts predicted 6-8″ of rain. We received nothing but a gentle watering of less than a quarter inch.   

Some might say Georgians were “lucky.” I know better. We were blessed by the hand of God. Other areas – especially hard-hit Fort Myers, FL – were not so fortunate. With a current death toll of 77 persons in FL and NC, anything could have happened here in GA. We could have been pummeled, but we weren’t. I could have lost everything as others did. Instead, everything I own was spared. I didn’t just sleep through the hurricane; I was protected through it.   

Jesus helped me sleep in the storm.   

Note: The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has already deployed crisis chaplains to Florida to help residents cope with the devastation that hit their state. Samaritan’s Purse has sent tractor-trailer loads of supplies and equipment to help areas that were hardest hit by the hurricane. Volunteers are working to assist with mudding out houses, tarping roofs, and sharing God’s love through their hands and feet. Please consider donating to help Samaritan’s Purse assist those in need as they recover from the devastating effects of this massive storm.   

But for the grace of God go I – and you.