when disaster strikes

hurricanes
tornadoes
storms
floods
lightning strikes
tsunamis
freak accidents
wildfires
poverty
natural disasters
premeditated destruction 

in the end, 
regardless of the origin, 
the result is the same

pain
devastation
irreplaceable losses 

grief
envy
pride
apathy
illness
meanness
jealousy
carelessness
indifference
selfishness
terminal diagnosis'

in the end, 
regardless of the origin, 
the result is the same

pain
devastation
irreplaceable losses 

in a world that is filled with storms
(if you are not in one you may have just left one or are entering one)
it is important to remember
you are not the only one whose world has been changed
people all around you are fighting their own battles
so I want to challenge you: 
love one another
be kind
speak gently
extend grace
show compassion

"but how can I do that in the midst of searing pain?"
"my own storm is raging out of control!"
"I need to be on the receiving end, not the giving end!"

for the one following Jesus,
we are called to rely on Him and His strength at work in us,
to live otherwise is not an option...

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34&35

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." Galatians 5:25, 22&23