The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
-Psalm 19:1

Do you know that God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash?
-Job 37:15



Tuesday, May 12, 2009

After the rain...

Yep, that's my dreary, jeep-unfriendly forecast for the next several days, through Saturday. Here is what today looks like...The current local conditions are drearily overcast with misty rain thickening the air. It's depressing. We haven't had rain in so long though, that I think we actually got to the point of needing it again. Driving over the Withlacoochee River Sunday, I noticed that it is almost completely dried out. Amazing how it can go from overflowing the road to barely a trickle in just a month's time. The precipitation relief has been much appreciated, I'm sure, by the home-owners in the once flooded areas, as it has given them a great opportunity to dry out their structure and prepare for rebuilding. As I drove through Meadowbrook yesterday, I noticed that all the volunteers have gone. What happens there? The excitement and tragedy wears off and volunteers return to normal lives leaving people just to deal with the rest. Dumpsters still litter the roads, filled to the brim with debris from inside the homes. Home-owners were still carrying more to them, a look of true weariness and exasperation on their faces, grieved, overwhelmed... worn out. It broke my heart to still be able to see through these structures... to still see so much work yet to be done. Recovery is not finished after the Valdosta flood.

PRAISE YOU IN THIS STORM
~Casting Crowns

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen, and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls, I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried, You hold in your hand
You never left my side, and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Peace be with all those suffering through a storm.
~Dewdrop

4 comments:

  1. Beautiful song. I've never heard it before. It fits. ((hugs))

    You are a dear soul to care so deeply for those left behind to deal with the continuing rebuilding aftermath of the storm.

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  2. mailboxclubgal5/12/2009 8:20 PM

    Dew ~ Yes, this is a precious look at what is left behind in the lives and hearts of those who were nearly "drowned" with the unexpected flood. And the song is perfect! I will take it to work tomorrow to share with those there who have lost homes and are digging out.
    Good to hear from you! Jen!

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  3. You ARE a sweetheart. I hadn't heard this song or group before but went right to Itunes and downloaded it. Think I'll listen to it when I scared during storms. My hubby's family lost a house to flood last week, in WV. I know the Withlacoochee River well, the Fl part. Thanks for your site.

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  4. Beth, my heart tore driving through, relief groups have moved on... volunteers are gone... the "emergency is over"... people have forgotten, except those still enduring. It breaks my heart to see them still carrying debris to the trash recepticles, which litter the road still, full to the brim with waste. A neighborhood forgotten. Their recovery is not yet finished...

    Jen, hugs to you and Mrs. Mc... I hope her recovery efforts are moving along nicely and that her spirits and hope are lifted in the Lord.

    Bj, God bless you. Your encouragement means much to me.

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Dew comment, please...