Hurricane Harvey 2017

The beginning of Hurricane Harvey 2017

(these picture do not capture the worst part of the storm as it was too dark at that time)

           We are beyond thankful water didn't rise pass the sidewalks on our street. Sunday night was the worst for us and waters were rising fast. 

          My neighbor told my husband, while they were working in the yard,  that Sunday night he went out to check the street and he saw a lady standing in the middle of our flooded cul-de-sac praying. She looked at him and said God was going to protect our homes. And then she walked away. My neighbor told my husband immediately the water started to drain.

          I find this amazing since I had a dream, a few days before I even knew of the hurricane, about a hedge of protection. In my dream I saw two sandbags being delivered to my front door. When I think of sandbags I think of flooding. I began to get anxious. What are you saying God? What's going to happen? Then I learned about Harvey. I got even more anxious about the implications. I began trying to analyze what two sandbags represented. "Anything other than flooding, please Lord!"  I shared with a couple friends who believed it meant God's hedge of protection. 

        At the time I didn't know I'd go stay at my parent's house with my three dogs. I wondered if it meant two flooding hurricanes to hit the states? Or maybe two hedges of protection, one for my house and one for my parent's home, which did happened. I'm not always the best at interpretation. All I knew was the dream was direct and vivid (no fillers). Having been a dreamer my entire life I knew these were the most important type of dreams. 

        After hearing about my neighbor's experience with the praying lady, standing in the middle of our flooded street, that he and his wife completely believe was an angel, I know our street and those who live on it experienced a divine intervention.

       I don't always understand the things hubby and I continually experience but I know God is faithful. We are blessed to be a blessing. Whatever path God leads us on He promises to walk beside us, whether we rise above, walk through or have to wait. All three we've experienced and continue to experience. Sometimes, like with Harvey we rise above, but with other things we continue to walk through or stand firmly in faith waiting. 

       All our neighbors were confident we would get water in our homes since regular storms often push water halfway up our driveways. Hubby and I had prepared by putting our important items up high and stacking furniture. I even left with the dogs and went to my parent's home because our area quickly becomes an island and we didn't want to be stuck. I should have trusted my dream and God's promise to me, but my faith is not perfect and I often struggle with anxiety. Thankfully, God's grace does not waver or falter because of me. 

       I know several friends who anointed their homes and vehicles with oil and prayer and came out dry despite flooding all around them. I also saw many people posting pictures of high waters and calling us to stand in faith. As we all prayed together over the internet the water went down and their homes were saved. 

       Why are some homes saved and not others? I struggle with this question. My heart breaks and I can't help but grieve over the loss so many people are facing. I will say this, miracles and divine intervention come in different shapes and sizes. 

       Sometimes it comes as a fisherman in a boat from another state, sometimes it's a church opening their doors as a distribution center, sometimes it's a crew of volunteers helping rip out carpets and walls, sometimes it's random people packing thousands of meals for those stranded, or someone opening their home for evacuees. And sometimes it's an angel or lady of faith standing in the middle of flood waters calling out for God's help. 

        I don't pretend to understand God's ways and His mysteries. I struggle with these things often, all I can do is share my experience and pray it blesses someone and stirs their faith. 

       God is alive and moving. He is faithful. He promises that when we seek him and acknowledge him in all our ways that He will direct our steps. He listens and answers when we call. And He always makes a way where there seems to be no way. Put your trust in Him! He will not disappoint! Even if He has you walk through high waters He will be with you.

"I Have This Hope"

As I walk this great unknown

Questions come and questions go

Was there purpose for the pain?

Did I cry these tears in vain?

I don't want to live in fear

I want to trust that You are near

Trust Your grace can be seen

In both triumph and tragedy

I have this hope

In the depth of my soul

In the flood or the fire

You're with me and You won't let go

But sometimes my faith feels thin

Like the night will never end

Will You catch every tear

Or will You just leave me here?

But I have this hope

In the depth of my soul

In the flood or the fire

You're with me and You won't let go

Yes, I have this hope

In the depth of my soul

In the flood or the fire

You're with me and You won't let go

So, whatever happens I will not be afraid

Cause You are closer than this breath that I take

-Tenth Avenue North