Hurricane Season


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
June 03, 2008

Photography by Liz Brown

When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. -Proverbs 16:7 NIV

Hurricane season has officially begun. The weather forecasters all have their opinions about what is to come and have statistical data and projections to support them. But what exactly defines a hurricane? It is a swirling low- pressure system that originates in warm tropical waters. It rotates counterclockwise. To be classified as a hurricane, the wind must exceed 74 miles per hour. Many factors contribute to its strength or weakness, such as atmospheric conditions, ocean and other weather patterns in the vicinity. The speed and path of hurricanes are difficult to predict. It is written that the colonial Spanish and Caribbean Indians word for evil spirits and big winds was hurricane. Folks that are familiar with hurricanes know that the right side of the eye produces the storm surge, strongest winds and tornadoes.

Many of us have weathered storms of one kind or another on the Outer Banks. One day it is bright and sunny, beach umbrellas lining up at the shore everywhere and the next day, warning flags are posted, gale force winds begin blowing and flooding and erosion are imminent.

Storms are just limited to the weather forecast. If we are to be honest, we all have felt inner turmoil before as a storm seems to rage on the inside of us. Sometimes our own frustrations can run so high, that it is as though we have an emotional hurricane on the inside. Feeling frustrated with someone or a situation or being in conflict can many times cause us to act or react ungodly. Increasing unresolved emotions seem to intensify. They won’t go away by themselves. We cannot continue to stuff down these feelings as they may begin to affect us physically. Lifting up our frustrations to God through prayer is the way and He will do the rest. But God gives us wisdom too so that maybe we also could speak to that person honestly to find a way to work out a peaceful resolution. God will give us direction, courage, wisdom and patience to move out of conflict and into peace. He will also show us where we may need to take responsibility for our part of any conflict we find ourselves in. We can leave the storm of dissention behind as we find a Christian approach to a calmer future. It is peace where we will find our victory.