Life's storms

Monday, August 1, 2011

*Marta Vargas - St. David Catholic Parish

English Spanish

I have often joked with my friends that my favorite “storm preparedness plan” is to have a full tank of gas in my car, and then hightail it to the furthest possible place in the opposite direction. (Surely this is nothing new to some, if not many of you, who know me.)

While the last storm that came my way caught me a bit off guard and I missed my window of opportunity to head to the opposite coast of Florida — and along the way see family and friends out there — my prayer is not to miss the opportunity for reflection that storms and stormy weather days often provide. For while natural storms often bring their own set of very real human challenges and suffering, there also are times in our lives when the storms are circumstantial or internal — and just as often more challenging.

At the same time, these “life storms” carry the potential to turn into times of tremendous divine grace, with rainbows far brighter than those we may see after a natural storm in South Florida.

In life, “storms” are not necessarily limited to what we hear about in the weather forecasts or watch happen in nature. And their manifestations can take as many forms as there are individuals on earth. One Bible I was reading noted that when Jesus was depicted as exercising power over wind and sea, the early Christian community saw it “as a sign, a symbol, of Jesus’ saving presence amid persecutions.”

There are just as many manifestations of grace through Jesus’ hands and feet on earth, people who come into our path as if sent by God himself, not just to comfort, hope, and help but to become a sign to us, vivid reminders that God and his love are alive and real, as seen and lived in the exchange of charity and hope.

Life's storms can be special opportunities to make Christ and his love alive and tangible to each other. I guess we could say that it is at these times that we can become “God’s rainbows” to one another.

Can you think of a storm in your life that God helped you through, and the role other people played in that help? How did this enhance your faith, your resilience in future life storms, and your sensitivity to others’ needs so that you might help them through their storms later on?

Surely everyone has many, and I look forward to hearing your stories!

Comments from readers

Marta - 08/08/2011 12:02 AM: Gracias Carlota! Gracias a todos! Y continuemos siendo portadores de luz y esperanza con la gracia y ayuda de Dios. Hasta la proxima! :)

Thank you O, thank you everyone! Keep up being hope and light to each other, with God's grace and help... until next time... :)

Big O - 08/07/2011 03:20 PM: Wow... really great stuff!! Some of the things we need in the times we are in

Carlota Ramona Bernal - 08/07/2011 10:35 AM: GRACIAS Martha por este blog. Que bello mensaje. Seguro que muchos a parte de mi y los que han comentado lo necesitaban y se han nutrido y bendecido con el. Nuestro Se�or es tan bueno proveyendonos su apoyo y esperanza a traves de nuestros hermanos y viceversa. Dios nos ayude e ilumine para que podamos aprovechar toda oportunidad tanto para bendecir a quien lo necesita como para ver como Dios nos bendice en los momentos en que lo necesitamos de similar forma. Le platico que todas las historias me han bendecido mucho, en especial la de Diana, pues no hace mucho tuve un reto similar con el trabajo que como sabemos son tiempos algo dificiles. Su testimonio fue un vivido recordatorio de lo importante que es confiar en el Senor pues tiene un plan para cada uno de nosotros y como dijo John ese plan se manifiesta eventualmente si confiamos y le damos tiempo a Dios para obrar. Dios nos ilumine para confiar en El y nos guie para dar esperanza a quienes la necesitan durante sus tiempos de incertidumbre y espera. Dios te bendiga y Dios les bendiga a todos.

Marta - 08/07/2011 09:27 AM: back again... I had drafted after Linda's comment 8/5 but hadnt had a chance to post until this morning and dont know what happened but somehow I didnt realize another testimony had posted that is so heartfelt and special that I would be so remiss to not acknowledge: Thank you Yvonne for sharing your miracle. True what you said, what amazing things come when we choose to walk with Jesus!

And , Teresa, great food for thought and reflection that I intend to take to Mass with me today: "Lord, how can we be your hands and feet today? Show us! Open our hearts to see you in those you place in our path to bless in your name especially those who may be enduring a 'life storm'. Also Lord, help us to see you in those who come our way to bless us today and through our own storms. And may you grant us the grace to realize before judging that we don't always know what storms someone may be going through, and the wisdom to be light and hope, truth and love, to everyone, especially those who may need You most in ways that truly heal and transform, at all times, for the glory of your name. Amen!

Great stuff everyone, keep it up!! :)

Marta - 08/07/2011 08:57 AM: Hi Everyone!

Just popping in to say thanks again because your sharing has been such a blessing from your special insights to beautiful scripture readings to your experiences that bring it all together... not just to me but it sounds like many of your fellow readers. And isn't that what it's all about? What a special blessing to be seeing and experiencing the very point of the blog, the principle at work, in this forum.

Isnt it neat how there are so many ways to be His hands and feet to one another in the very sharing of our stories of hope, and how this process need not be limited to our geographic locations but in fact transcends time and space, thanks to the wonders of our modern technology! In fact, by the way, Greetings from Tampa Florida (and just so you know I didnt fill up my gas tank drive here to the opposite coast because of Tropical Storm Emily but to celebrate a family birthday even if the timing with the blog couldnt have been better, our good Lord does have a wonderful sense of humor!!)

And, Oh Linda, what a beautiful testimony in how in the selflessly transcending your own pain to reach out to help others in ministry next thing new blessings and hope came right back, and such a great reminder and point of reflection for us all It's like John said "God has a plan for our lives, we just don't know it until it happens. " and by simply trusting Him through those storms and allowing His grace to guide us, forgetting not (or perhaps allowing that very process to remind us) that there are others around us suffering as much and sometimes more asking ourselves what can we do to make the load lighter to them forgetting our own cares for that time, our load ends up becoming lighter and amazing things happen, sometimes in wonderfully surprising ways, and then that is passed on... as the circle of hope continues on... Praise Him!

Keep up the great work and sharing everyone! here's to many more stories of hope, not just today in our last day of cyber sharing but way beyond! God bless you all!!! :)

Teresa Lubriel - 08/07/2011 08:32 AM: This blog really made me think ! Reflecting on the times when I have made it through the rain so to speak thanks to God, His grace and His provision in the people He sent to me to help, along with reflecting on times God has used me to be hope to someone else when it was my turn to "pay it forward" was an unexpected and needed blessing for me this week. In doing this, also have decided to seek God's help for a more consistent habit to ask Him daily "Lord, how can I be your hands and feet today? Show me! Open my eyes, ears and heart so that I can not only see clearly the opportunities but be ready to jump right in to do it! Hard for me to come up with one story to share right now but there are many and so for now just wanna say thank you and keep up the good work. And thanks to all those who have shared because your sharing has been a big part of how much this blog has blessed me.

Yvonne Jacks - 08/05/2011 11:56 PM: There have been many storms in all shapes in sizes in my life to shape and form me. There is one in particular that came at a time of my life that my faith walk was at a snails pace. It was May 6, 1995, the Friday before Mother's Day and my day started off the same way it always did but ended up like it never had before.

I was at work and received a phone call from Kathy, a friend of my brother Ralph, who lives in California. My brother has played a very important role in my life. He has been "my superhero" all of my life. We have always had a special bond. This phone call shook me to core of my being. I was hearing this voice speaking to me that I had just recently met, so my first reaction was that she was in Florida on business and wanted to meet for dinner. After trying to guess why she was calling me she finally just interrupted me and told me to please be quite for a moment for she had some news for me about my brother Ralph. I was so confused, what kind of news could she have. I had just visited my brother in San Francisco 2 months prior and my Mom had told me she had spoken to him 4 days prior and all was fine. The news was, that my brother was suppose to tell me on my visit, but couldn't bring himself to do was that he had been HIV Positive for the past 10 years and now he had brain lesions and had 1 week to live.

Needless to say that news took the wind out of my sails. All I could do is say, Oh why God, why? She then said, he wants you to break the news to your 3 other siblings and your Mom...Oh dear Lord...how do I tell a parent her child is dying. Death was no stranger to my Mom, she was a two time widower but to lose a child seems so imaginable. Lord give me the strength, the courage and the words. With the help of my other brother, Jeff, we went to her apartment to tell her to pack because we were going to California. Ralph needed us there and we must be strong for him. No tears just strength. Strength is my Mom's middle name and if there is anything that our Mom has taught us, is to be survivors.

The next day we were all by his side and like always Ralph was running the show, even through all his pain and failing body. After a week by his side, I had to give up my position of feeder and groomer. He told me it was time for me to go home and take care of my kids since he was not going anywhere. He asked our brother Jeff who is a paramedic/firefighter to stay with him for a month to help him recuperate. To our Mom he told her to go back home and finish planning for her wedding because funeral planning is over. He was not going anywhere, there was to much living yet to be had.

All I can say is thank you my Lord for such a miracle. You showed us that prayers are heard, even from those that are at a snail pace of a faith walk. Today I look at my brother with such awe because he has truly continued to live life to the fullest even with his disabilities and God continues to perform miracles in his life. After coming into relationship with Jesus, I understand now why He allows us to go through the storms, because He loves us wants to shape and form us.

Linda - 08/05/2011 09:48 PM: About eight years ago, my husband moved out of my house and into the house of another women. He left behind my two sons and me. My sons were about 4 and 6 years old at the time. As their primary financial supporter, I needed to work full time and find a way for them to be cared for while I worked and took care of everything else independently. My parents were able to help me for a short while until my mom was diagnosed with cancer. She died shortly after. Needless to say, the storm was in full bloom it became even more challenging when my job relocated to South Florida. My two sons and I moved to this area without knowing exactly how this would all work out. My entire support system was still in New York and we didn't know anyone in south Florida. I surrendered my life to God knowing that our only chance for survival is if I allowed Him to take care of us.

I was very fortunate to end up living near St. Max Church in Pembroke Pines. Through this church I was able to become part of a wonderful community � we made friends, became very active in the religious education program and participated in various ministries. Our lives were enhanced more than I could have ever imagined. My sons thrived and are both doing great today and I met a wonderful man through working in a ministry. We were married a year ago in July.

None of this would have been possible without the help of God and His gentle guidance

Melissa B - 08/05/2011 04:42 PM: Thank you!! This was certainly needed.

Rafael Marte - 08/05/2011 11:58 AM: As Christians we believe in God's providence and covering as per God's promise to us. We give thanks in the midst of the storm for God is in control of all things. In the scriptures we read "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

In Psalm 119:75, we read "I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me."

In Romans 8:28, we read "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Praise be to God for He is good and His mercy endures forever. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39.

Sandrita Pereda - 08/04/2011 10:21 PM: Thank you so much. This really lifted my spirits, both your post Marta and what everyone is sharing. I hope more people share their stories because there is something powerful that happens when we do, there is such hope in the sharing. Grateful to all of you who have written so far. You have each helped make my week in your own way. God bless.

Josue Arrigoitia - 08/04/2011 09:23 PM: Aunque este escrito y los recuerdos que trae de tantas experiencias bonitas a tan buena y apropiada hora me ha dejado pensando a nivel que no me vienen palabras para relatar alguna 'historia' tengo que al menos escribir para expresar la gran gratitud que siento, pues necesitaba encontrarme con estos recuerdos y sentimientos en estos momentos. Gracias por este bello relato que me ha iluminado la semana con luz y esperanza. Que Dios la bendiga

Darla - 08/04/2011 09:02 PM: This article makes me think of a beautiful quote I saw recently: �If I try by myself to swim across the ocean of this world, the waves will certainly engulf me. In order to survive I must climb aboard a ship made of wood; this wood is the Cross of Christ. Of course, even on board ship there will be dangerous tempests and perils from the sea of this world. But God will help me remain on board the ship and arrive safely at the harbor of eternal life.� - St Augustine

Thank you Marta for this inspiring post that will surely stay with me a while. Always enjoy reading everything you write! God bless you!

John Ruffolo - 08/04/2011 03:45 PM: Marta, thank you for your insight. As you mentioned "Life's Storms" can come in a number of different ways. When we are going through the challenges we tend to question everything that is happening. However, once we step back and the storm has cleared and we look at the big picture, our experiences tend to make make us stronger. Even though we don't feel stronger during the crisis. I believe God has a plan for our lives, we just don't know it until it happens.

God Bless.

Marta - 08/02/2011 06:03 PM: Wow! Thank you each for your comments in what so far is a wonderful conversation!
GRACIAS mil por sus comentarios en lo que ya ha comenzado a ser una maravillosa conversaci�n!

Diana, what an amazing story, and during these times, one that no doubt is important to share that truly attests to the endless possibilities that exist when we open our eyes to see God's hand in all things and open our hearts to receive what He has in store even when (and especially when) it seems toughest. In fact, I want to share your story at other opportunities /talks if you dont mind what an inspiration!

Let's keep up the conversation this is getting good!! :)

ESPANOL!!!

Jaime, que buen e importante punto de reflexi�n. Verdaderamente, estos momentos poseen gran potencial para crecer no solo en fortaleza sino en virtud para bendici�n tanto nuestra como la de todos con quienes compartimos la jornada!

Doris, me encant� eso que dijistes de como "a traves de las diferentes vivencias y viviendo "la tormenta" a la luz del Espiritu Santo" eventualmente nos damos cuenta "que a "nuestra ALMA ni la toca el viento" y podremos ser bendicion y consuelo para otros que lo necesiten. " , y visto as�, no se puede evitar estar agradecido a nuestro buen Se�or hasta por esas mismas tormentas, permitidas como todo para bien . Cierto, muy cierto

Sigamos conversando que esto se est� poniendo bueno!

Bendiciones!

Doris Gonzalez - 08/02/2011 01:20 PM: Gracias Marta por ayudarnos a reflexionar sobre este tema con el cual todo ser humano, sin distincion, se siente identificado. TODOS atravesamos por diferentes tormentas, (...hasta categoria 5!) pero a traves de las diferentes vivencias y viviendo "la tormenta" a la luz del Espiritu Santo, es como vamos en el camino cimentando cada vez mas fuerte nuestra vida en la Roca que es Cristo, de este modo, pasaran tormentas y mas tormentas y nos daremos cuenta que a "nuestra ALMA ni la toca el viento" y podremos ser bendicion y consuelo para otros que lo necesiten. Aprovecho esta oprtunidad Padre Celestial, para agradecerte por las "tormentas de mi vida", las cuales me han hecho acercerme mas a Ti y ayudar a otros...gracias Marta por ser instrumento...que el Senor los bendiga!

Jaime Padro - 08/02/2011 11:35 AM: Great article, Martha! Sin duda las tormentas en la vida, aunque dificiles y dolorosas, nos hacen crecer y nos hacen mas fuertes y sabios... Dios las permite para ensenarnos a ser virtuosos... Adelante!!!

Diana Serna - 08/02/2011 07:56 AM: Martha....what a great topic to bring up. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed reading it and being inspired by your comments.
A couple of years ago, I had a storm pass my way in life that surely, turned into a hurricane. Only exception is that the eye of the storm with the sunshine and calm, did not come in the middle of the storm but came at the very end - and stayed that way. Despite me thinking that my storm was the loss of my career after 15 years, it turned out to be my rainbow. You see - because of that hurricane, I was able to fulfill a life long dream - to finally finish my Bachelor's degree which I had never had time for due to my career. But my blessings did not stop there - because of that hurricane put in my way, I met the man of my dreams, am planning a wedding and in a couple of months, I will complete my Master's Degree! I am so thankful for the "storm" that came my way - because the rebuilding after it has been one of the most amazing times and gifts in my life and the rainbow after the storm is still shining bright today! It can be scary going through the storm - just like it is scary going through bad weather. But just like the rainbow after a bad weather storm, it indeed does always come out if one believes and lets God do what he has plans to do. I only wish I had the power to hold everyone's hand as they are going through the storm - so that they hang on and enjoy the rainbow after. Believe - one of my most powerful words in life. Keep smiling!