The Beauty of the Storm

Storms are truly beautiful creations. Little compares to the splendour and wonder of a storm, whether you are sitting by a warm fire, listening to the blissful melody of the rain, or standing out in the hurling winds, drenched to the bone, as the sky roars its defiance. Nothing can stand up to the power and ferocity of a storm. It is a force of nature. You cannot control a storm. While storms are to be respected, I certainly do not believe they are to be feared, but rather appreciated.

Life is full of many storms. While storms may rage around us, it is the storms that rage within us that matter the most. Just as a storm may destroy that which stands in its way, it brings great power and beauty to those who respect and honour the storm. Learn to stand in the midst of the storm with open arms and you will know greatness far beyond this earth.

"Rejoice, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds,

knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

Let endurance finish its work, so that you may be

mature and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-4

I'll admit, it's a difficult concept to wrap your head around and embrace. It goes against so much within us to stand and embrace the storm, to rejoice in the difficulties. It may seem illogical, counter-intuitive, and even psychotic, but I assure you that it is quite the opposite. Do you know what pain is, at the fundamental level? Simply a message, telling you that something is wrong and needs to be fixed. Pain does not define you or limit you, if anything it enables you. It shows you were to focus your energy. 

It has been on a journey that I started a few weeks ago that I have learnt this. I cannot claim the brilliance of this discovery though, it has been due to the inspiration of my most treasured companion, and the knowledge and wisdom of God, found in His word. I decided to take a stand and fight for the life I want; she showed me how to have strength and endurance; He showed me how to live life, and life to the fullest.

Over the past month, as I have been fasting, praying, and meditating, I have found an increasing thirst of literature. Perhaps it is because I no longer allow myself to waste time on pointless pursuits; perhaps it is because I find solace in another world; perhaps it is because I have developed a better appreciation for the power of words. Regardless, my room continues to fill with books of various kinds, while my desk is cluttered with quotes and passages from all over. There is such majesty in good literature, and an incredible power that comes from knowing it.

"Books are my friends, my companions. 

They make me laugh and cry and find meaning in life."

Christopher Paolini

"One must always be careful of books and what is inside them,
for words have the power to change us."
Cassandra Clare

"I have hidden Your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against You."

Psalm 119:11

One of my favourite pieces of literature comes from a poem written by one of the original 1820 settlers. Thomas Pringle wrote Cape of Storms, showing the beauty that can be found in the storm. The extract that I enjoy most reads as follows:

Yet, spite of physical and moral ill, 

And after all I've seen and suffered here, 

There are strong links that bind me to thee still, 

And render even thy rocks and deserts dear;

There is so much to be learnt from literature, so much to be enjoyed and thought on. There are endless journeys to be taken through the pages of countless books, all so wonderful and exhilarating. With it all comes the infinite wisdom and guidance of scripture, through which I have learnt more than I could possibly hope to understand on my own. If you ever seek guidance and help, you need only turn to God and His word. He will guide and bless you.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard you hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ."

Philippians 4:6-7

"The Lord God is a sun and a shield;

the Lord bestows favour and honour.

No good thing does He withhold

from those who walk uprightly."

Psalm 84:11

"Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial,

for when they have stood the test they will receive the crown of life,

which God has provided to those who love Him."

James 1:12

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you a hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

We see that God shows us how to live life; He teaches us not only to endure, but to grow and flourish. He provides for us. Not only is He there when we are suffering and need His help, but He is also there when we are well and would like His blessing. He is the all-powerful and loving Father.

Oh, how I have been blessed by Him. One day I will share the greatest blessing in my life with you all. As I grow and develop He blesses me in so many ways; as I push into Him through the trials and difficulties I find that I am so much more myself, strong and free. He has opened my eyes and worked in my heart in more ways than I can fathom, and I am but a child. I shudder to think how He will mould and grow me as I continue through life. There is already so much I am thankful for, so much I rejoice in.

While the world will continue to throw all it has at me, and undoubtably I will stumble and fall along the way, I give you my word that I will press on. I will never give up, I will stand and fight, you taught me that. With God anything is possible.

"Be joyful in hope.

Be patient in tribulation.

Be constant in prayer."

Romans 12:12

Jem.