Surviving the Storm

Sometimes when we notice the clouds

We do not think much about them

Just that there is a possibility of rain ahead

But sometimes

The clouds become darker than expected

The world becomes gray

The sunshine disappears

And a storm arrives

There is very little light

Peeking through the sky

Just clouds hovering

Rain falling

Hail pounding

Winds uprooting

Lightening striking

Thunder echoing

There is fear

There is potential danger

There is damage

There is anger

Sometimes we hide from the storm

Sometimes we fight to survive the storm

We use shelter to protect us

If we are lucky, our shelter does keep us safe

But sometimes when the storm passes

Even though we may have survived

Other things may have not

Sometimes our shelter is damaged beyond repair

Sometimes we lose things during the storm

We are confused

Shocked

Scared

So we mourn our losses

Then we salvage what is left

Of us

And of our things

We may at times feel despair or anger

But we hold onto hope

Our faith helps us to grow from that storm

We learn

The storm may have threatened us

Threatened our livelihood

~our health

~our well-being

~our family

~our spirit

~our shelter

But it did not win

We feel grateful

Even though it did not feel like we were winning at the time

We did!

We rebuild

And repair

And eventually we find that

What is,

Is much better than what was

What was,

barely survived

It was barely holding on

What is left

Is a survivor!

Because of the storm

This time around

We are more appreciative of what we have

More understanding of what we need

We enjoy the sunny days a little more

We are little more protective of what we have built

We understand the impending hazards

So this time around we build stronger barriers

Shelter that will survive the next storm

We know that little storms

May come without warning

And may go without leaving a trace

But we are aware that they were there

And that it is not uncommon for a few circling clouds,

To change instantly

To become a whirlwind of problems and devastation

But the next time

When the next storm arrives

We will be ready!

 
Being a survivor is not just enduring the storm, it is also coming to terms with the storm and repairing any damage it may have caused. Sometimes being a survivor is being ready before the next storm hits or perhaps, noticing the signs that a storm may be ahead.  

This month is about one storm in particular. A storm that no woman wants to deal with, but many women have, Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer is just one of the many storms that many women and their families face. Are you giving yourself a breast check regularly? Are you watching for the signs?

Recognizing Invisible Women

Many wonderful people have been recognized by society, people that we can learn so much from. Yet, there are also many wonderful people who live remarkable lives that will go unnoticed. People whose beauty will only be witnessed by their family and friends. Yet, these remarkable people are not living with the hope that they will be recognized, seen or heard by others. They are not living with the hope that someday they will get the notoriety that they "deserve". They are simply living a life for God, the best way they know how. They are raising families. Teaching children. Loving others.These people, who will go unrecognized by most, do not care. They only want to be recognized by one. By Him. By their God.

These people who put every effort into doing for others. These people that speak kind words, do kind deeds and do all things with love. When I watched this video below it made me think of all of the wonderful women in my life. The women that were at home with their kids day in and day out, loving them, raising them and teaching them. Now that their children are grown they are at home with their grandchildren or taking care of their parents.

My Aunt with my mom, 2 remarkable women

The video below made me think of my mom, the most beautiful person I know. I was raised by the most wonderful mother anyone could ever ask for. A loving and compassionate woman. A woman of God. A selfless woman. A devoted wife of 33 years. A selfless mother who gave without ever expecting in return. A woman who even when faced with challenges or disappointment was filled with grace. A mother who many times spent no time on herself or for herself, even when she needed it the most.

I have known many beautiful women. I have grandmothers and aunts who have shown to be just as kind, compassionate, and selfless. My world is filled with beautiful and remarkable people. Remarkable to me. Not because they have lived perfect lives. Not because they have done something that has been recognized by many. Because they live for God. These women are not invisible to me! These women shaped me. These women amazed me. They still do.

I found the video below to be very humbling and inspiring! :)