Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Aftermath.

Storms are fierce. They come in strong and sometimes, as we have seen with Hurricane Ike, leave an aftermath of total devastation. The images are gut wrenching. Homes reduced to piles of rubble. Big, strong tree's that have stood for hundreds of years snapped like twigs. Lakes where there used to be neighborhoods. But, pictures only show the physical damage. What they don't show is the mental anguish of the people who were unfortunate enough to be in the path of the storm and how it will affect their lives for years to come.

My words, at times, are like a storm. They are fierce. They come out strong and leave an aftermath of destruction. The physical damage is easy to see. Tears, anger, a frown, a look of disappointment, eyes filled with hurt. But, what I can't see is the destruction going on inside when someone I love has been unfortunate enough to be in the path of my storm. What I can't see is how my words will affect their lives for years to come.

But...in the aftermath hope springs anew as the damage is assessed and clean up begins. The rubble is still there but rebuilding has started. Outpouring of love soon replaces hurt and sadness. The wounds begin healing as the Son radiantly shines through the blue skies offering Grace, Mercy, and second chances.

14 comments:

Tanya said...

But the funny thing about storms is they are necessary to clean the earth and build up. The same with the words and the storms we carry inside us. Not necessary, but soon the clean up causes more good than harm. If cleaned up correctly and God is involved. God has a reason for everything, even our words. I remember a time that hurt words were just what I needed. I did not see the pride that I was using and how it was effecting others, but when God sent the person into my life to knock me off my pride stool, I hurt, but I would turn to God and then the healing began. Love ya so much, Tanya

Heather said...

@Tanya- Yes. Storms are necessary at times. Thanks for the reminder. Thanks for the 'welfare' call yesterday, too:)LOL! I'm OK. Nothing major happened. I so appreciate you caring! Love you!

Robin said...

Great post Heather! We are all learning and growing...

Susan said...

Great post. The thing I don't like about storms is sometimes they happen too often.which makes the healing hard to begin.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Words are good - but dangerous! they are impossible to take back and can leave a destructive path - I know, have been there. This is an area that papa fears more than any - unchecked words.

Anonymous said...

"grace, mercy, and second chances.." Of which I always seem to need a truckload.

healing and restoration...God is so good to us!

Nana C said...

heather, my how so many of us can relate to your post, but going to our Father and letting Him shed his light and wisdom on the words we have spoken in haste, or anger, or love that comes out like anger, only He heals us and therefore we will rise above the storms and grow, we will triumph for His glory and our family will be blessed. My love to you and your life. Nana C

Carol said...

Heather, you write such great devotional thoughts. You should be published!! You are a teacher and a leader and a great Mom. I posted your blog site on my latest blog entry. Hope you don't mind!

Heather said...

@Carol- I am humbled and honored. Love ya!

Anonymous said...

HEY GIRL! I just tagged you on my blog and shared some link love with you..time for some smiles..and good thoughts!

Heidi said...

Hey,

This is such a timely set of words for me today..

Thank ya much.....

You inspire me Heather... don't know if you know that

Love ya

Susan said...

Hey Heather I gave you an award. Stop by when youcan so you can check it out.

rk said...

I never put my foot in my mouth I put BOTH FEET in my mouth!!! :0)

You're doing good. You're a great mama. Your Father loves you!


xoxox,
Roxx

rk said...

Hey girly, when you have a free moment would you change my link from sharing notes to roxanne kristina.

xoxo,
R