Storms

Last night, I went walking on a trail with Lindsay. We were walking right into dark clouds. After awhile, the lightning began and the thunder threatened and I queried, "Should we turn back?" "No!" she replied.
We kept going. The winds picked up. Leaves were flying. Lightning and thunder were beginning to coincide with each other. This time, I didn't ask. "We'd better turn back," I stated like a reasonable person. "Okay..." she reluctantly complied.
As soon as we turned back, it started to rain. Large cold drops pummeled us from head to toe. I tried to locate a dry spot on my body to hide my valuables-cell phone and a watch. I finally decided on my back jean pocket.
She wondered if we should get under the trees but I thought that would not be the best place with lightning zinging all around us. So, we started to run. But then we stopped and just walked because it was already too late. We were soaked.
Soon I couldn't see anymore. It was just exhilarating. I was shrieking and laughing and she was giggling. Later, when I noticed my voice was hoarse, Lindsay told me that I had been 'really loud.' We went back to her place where we put my clothes in the washer to spin and then into the dryer. I felt high. Not that I know how that feels but I think I do. I slept that night really well for the first time in weeks. And I think I will sleep well again tonight. The storm broke into my despondency and comforted me with its wild friendly fury.
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Our family went to our Michelle's house for supper last week.
Erin and the Banton's were also there.
Just as we were getting ready to leave,
Phil picked up Michelle's guitar and began to sing.
We stayed and all of us sang together for at least an hour
and it was another favored time
that we will never forget.

One of the songs he sang was "Till the Storm Passes By."

I've been posting the verses on face book and one of my friends said that this song literally saved her life when she was a young teen. Others are also expressing appreciation for the words.

It was written by Mosie Lister and copyrighted in 1958.
The Gaithers have since made it popular.
But no one sings it like Phil.
When he gets home tonight,
I am going to ask him to sing it to me
as I drift off to sleep.
I love when he does that.
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In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more.
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,
For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more.
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more.
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
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"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea,
"Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

Sometimes, it seems like Jesus is asleep in our boat,
and has no idea how close we are to drowning.

I think we can trust Him in several ways.

We can crawl to the back of our boat
and snuggle up beside Him
and go to sleep too,
or we can wake Him up with our cries
and ask Him to hurry up and do something.

Either way, we win.
Because He's in our boat.
And He cares about us.