Genesis 7:4
"Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made."
The date is September 22, 2009.
I leave for work in the pouring rain.
When I arrive at school, there is hope for my umbrella against the driving sheets of water. I make a dash for it.
Chilled and dripping, I watch as buses disgorge an endless stream of water-logged children. They flood into the building, shouting and calling out to one another.
Soaked shoes leaving wet prints on the floor.
Marking a slick trail toward lockers and classrooms.
"Mrs. Orlando, have you ever seen it rain so hard?" Asks Donnie, one of my homeroom students.
The note of worry in his voice is unmistakable.
"No, dear, I haven't," I answer honestly, but offer what I hope is a comforting smile.
"Isn't it supposed to flood? That's what we heard on the radio. Why didn't they cancel school?"
"Probably, because school has never been canceled on account of rain. Try not to worry, Donnie. Everything will be alright."
But, it isn't.
First period. Second period. Third period.
Still, the opened heavens unleash their fury.
Rumors of early dismissal begin to fly. By lunch, they are confirmed.
The ban on cellphone use at school is lifted as children are urged to contact parents.
Here come the buses.
Not a moment too soon.
For surrounding roads are flooding. Fast!
Administrators stay with the children awaiting rides. Teachers are dismissed.
Again, a drenching dash for me. I am praying to make it home. For everyone to make it home . . .
A twenty minute commute becomes a two-hour nightmare.
Every route I know is shut down by creeks raging over their banks.
Where to turn? What to do?
Just before panic sets in, I remember that Danny is working at home today.
I call him, but not before I notice my cell battery is dangerously low. And, I have no way to charge it in the car.
He gives me directions, thankfully, before my phone dies.
And, I'm off! Only to discover another road block . . .
"Stay calm," I reassure myself as I turn around.
I pray harder than ever.
There is a road on my right with a familiar name. I take the turn. Take the chance.
"Please, Lord, let this bring me home!"
It's long. Twisty and sinuous. Slick with rain.
But, not flooded . . .
It leads to higher ground.
It leads me home . . .
~
Do troubles seem to be flooding your world today?
Will you pray with me?
When troubled waters threaten to drown us, Father, help us to remember that You will ride out the storm with us. Let Your grace and mercy ever rain down on us. May we give You thanks in all things. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 148, 149, 150 or 114, 115
Genesis 7:1-10, 17-23
Ephesians 4:1-16
Mark 3:7-19
We had a similar scene in Mumbai some years back. Though I was home, the kids were stuck in the school and hubby somewhere else...it was traumatic.
ReplyDeleteOh, Janu, that HAD to be so frightening! I never realized how many streams were in our vicinity until this happened. I sure will never forget after this flood.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and thanks for stopping by!
I so remember this day myself. I was off from work and decided that the rain couldn't really be that bad... despite reports that there would be flooding. I of course decided to drive to the gym on the other side of town to work out and when I left to head home roads were flooded everywhere. I pulled into a CVS pharmacy to wait it out, the store got flooded, water was ankle deep coming in the closed doors and the parking lot was flooding, water was almost to the top of my tires. I moved my car to higher ground, called my future son-in-law who came and drove me home. It was scarey!!! When overwhelmed it is so good to have someone to call on! I actually wrote a blog post about it myself and used the verse Isaiah 43:1-4 . Great post, brought back lots of memories!
ReplyDeleteWow, Lynne! You certainly did go through an ordeal that day! It's interesting to hear about others unwanted adventures that day and how they coped with it. At one point, not included in the post, I thought I would have to get a hotel room . . .
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by and sharing your "Flood Day" experience!
Blessings!
Oh I remember it was a Sunday afternoon about two years ago. I went to the church for mass. It rained a full hour and when it was time to go home, I saw that the whole are was flooded (up to the neck) and I couldn't cross the street (even if it was just a walking distance away to our house). A girl came up to me and told me that we live in the same street so she offered me a ride (I had no money and I left my cellphone at home).
ReplyDeleteOh God is so great, He sent me this angel. I pray with you in every way. The rain and flood is symbolic but God is faithful and will never leave us to ourselves.
Oh, Melissa, He DID send you an angel that day! Wow! No money, no cellphone, yet, a ride is offered.
DeleteYes, as you said, "God is faithful and will never leave us to ourselves."
Thank goodness, He doesn't!
Blessings!
*whole area
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI know the feeling but somehow by the grace of god I have always manged to come away unscathed from a dangerous situation. That must have been frightening but you didn't lose faith and you manged to reach home safe.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear God has protected you when you find yourself in a precarious situation. Yes, it was very frightening, but praying to Him kept me calm and helped me to think clearly.
DeleteThanks for the comment!
Blessings!
Martha, this must have been so stressful! I can just imagine how frightened the poor children must have been and also you! So happy that you have made it back home safely. We serve such a wonderful God!
ReplyDeleteYes, Nelieta, our God is truly an awesome God! Believe me, I was one grateful, humble person after making it home that day.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Blessings!
WOW I was holding my breath literally...in all the darkness in floods or troubles it is very hard to remember God will ride the storm with us and see us through.....As always...XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know this held your attention the whole time. I don't think there could be a better compliment for a writer!
DeleteIt is hard, sometimes, to see Him when we are in the midst of life's storms. That's where faith comes in . . .
Thanks for stopping in!
Blessings!
Wonderful. Just what I needed today, Martha!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Sili, so glad this met you where you are today! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteBlessings!
first I must say that you are a fabulous story teller ... I was holding my breath anxiously waiting to get to the end!
ReplyDeleteWhat a frightening experience ... I admire your faith!
I recall when I turned to God whom I felt like I had abandoned years ago during one of the biggest 'storms' in my life ... standing alone in the throws of my addiction and guilt ridden; I fell to my knees and prayed for help ... that was 10 years ago. I've done a lot of work, surrounded my self with people that understand addiction and daily pray up ... I haven't picked up since!
I have a friend who says ... "is it odd or is it God?" I believe it is God .. I am not a religious person ... I believe, have faith and pray!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Amy, and leaving this marvelous comment.
DeleteThank you for the compliment about the story-telling. I am humbled!
I am so glad to know that in the midst of your terrible storm, you remembered to turn to God. He, indeed, has placed you on higher ground! So, so wonderful that He has helped you kick your addiction and kept you growing healthy in Him for ten years!
And, I love your friend's saying! I believe with you that it is God. And, you certainly don't have to be "religious" to believe, to have faith, and to pray to the Lord.
Blessings to you!