We all face storms in life. And once whatever storm we’re facing is over, we often ponder as to how made it through, how we managed to survive. Sometimes, we aren’t even sure whether the storm is really over even days or months after it has passed. But one thing is certain. When we come out of the storm, we won’t be the same person we were before.
If there’s any purpose to the storms that batter our lives, it is that we change. The question is how? After the tragedy that engulfed coastal Texas and Louisiana this past week, the tens of thousands who have suffered and lost so much have been occupying both my heart and my thoughts. As they begin the long journey toward recovery, they will continue to be plummeted and flooded with a storm of challenges. Monumental difficulties undoubtedly still lay ahead.
If we breathe, we face difficulties. It is the burden of mortality; the way of life. Once we get beyond the question of “why did this happen to me?” comes the potential for an epiphany in our lives when we ponder what good might come out of our trauma.
Perhaps you have some familiarity with the Great Barrier Reef. It stretches some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. On the lagoon side of the reef an observant visitor might notice that the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colorful. Why is that? The answer is well worth remembering when we face life’s trials and tribulations.
The coral around the lagoon side is in still water, with no challenge necessary for its survival. It dies early. Conversely, the coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, and storms–surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of its life. As it is challenged and tested, it changes and adapts. It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces. That is the way it is with every living organism. It is also that way with people.
Challenged and tested, we come alive! Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and resilience. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness.
Like the reef corals that thrive in a high-energy environment, so do we who refuse to surrender to whatever life obstacles may challenge us. As we struggle, we grow.
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” ? Maya Angelou
Have an AWE-full Weekend!
William J. “Bill” Bacqué