HILLBILLY STORM WATCH
“The clouds are rollin’ in,” I noted the obvious.
“Looks like a storm,” she agreed.
“Might cool it off,” I mumbled.
“Mmm hmm,” she replied
I realized we sounded like something straight out of a Hee Haw rerun – a couple of hillbillies using just enough sounds to get our unneeded point across. A hillbilly storm watch.
Some storms you can see coming for miles away, others, well, they can sneak up on ya’. Storms don’t sneak up on a person so easy in west Texas… but that’s another story… Some of the bad storms bring danger, but even when we know there’s a possibility of danger, we see the majestic beauty in a distant storm.
As we watched the threatening dark sky bear down on us, I thought about the other kind of storms; those storms that blow in just like the storm we were watching, but don’t have anything to do with the weather. If the storms of life could be compared to the real live ones, then it’s been hurricane season around here for the last five years or so… no sign of letting up ‘neither’…
“Maybe it’ll skirt around us?” I wondered aloud.
“Maybe?” my wife mumbled back.
“The desert could use some rain,” I spouted another unneeded observation. My wife didn’t even bother to respond to that one… She’s not much of a hillbilly anyway… What’ya expect from someone from St. Louie?
Interesting how the physical storms bring danger, but sometimes needed turmoil that cleans and provides the basics of things needed for life, just in abundance. That’s easy to see in the physical reality of this world, but shouldn’t it be as easy to see regarding our spiritual lives?
All the stormy seasons of life have left us with things we use in our lives… Should we consider them necessities or luxuries? I don’t believe in bad luck. Period. I believe there are consequences to our actions or lack thereof, and for the choices we make. Sometimes the biggest blessings come from rebuilding after the big storms of our lives have blown through.
The clean up process can take time, but we don’t leave the mess, we always clean it up and we become a little more prepared for the next time a storm blows through.
“You ready?” I asked.
“Yep,” my wife replied getting out of her chair. She is sounding more like a hillbilly everyday, “Think the dogs’ll be alright?”
“They’re dogs!” I answered, “Of course they’ll be fine…”
Maybe we need to start looking for the beauty in those spiritual storms like we do the weather ones? It could very well be that the season of our storms won’t pass until our perspective does…
bill (cycleguy)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 2:19 am
All that was missing was Junior Samples holding up his BR-549 sign. 🙂 On topic: storms have several purpose-both nature and spiritual. I like your suggestion.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 6:58 am
Thanks Bill. I was thinking about the guys lounging on the front porch with the big floppy hats on! Not exactly reality, but a funny thought. I forgot about Junior! As soon as I read your line, his line with the accent came flooding back. Too funny! “That number again, BR-549!”
diane
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 8:59 am
Sometimes you can feel these physical/ spiritual storms in the distance…you know they are somehow needed but the weaker side usually prays for them to circle around. God does what he needs to do anyway. Growing is never easy! Another nice one Floyd. One of my photos would have been great for this one! I am praying for a circling as I type this in my own life……
Floyd
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 9:29 am
You’re right Diane. Our weak side, which is my dominate side, dreads and pleads for the storms to pass…but the storms bring me cleansing and wisdom, and even though I know that fact, my flesh still groans… Well said. Thanks.
You’re right about your photos, can you email me one and I’ll paste it into the link? If you get time? Thanks.
diane
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 @ 2:15 pm
I will email it and your welcome!
Floyd
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 @ 7:24 pm
Thank you Ruthy!
Betty
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 11:18 am
From one hillbilly to another I come asking prayer for a storm we are going through right now. My husband has been sick for about a week and half. This past Monday morning he still had a fever and we both thought it might be malaria. So to the hospital we went. They ran a battery of test right away, his plattetes were very low, his spleen was enlarged and the cat scan showed a mass on his lung. The did not think he had malaria. Of course they kept him and begin more test, still testing for malaria. they put him on very strong antiboticas to fight any infection he might have. After countless test one finally came back positive for malaria so they are treating him for it. they are talking about doing a biophy on the mass but I am sure it will be after he recovers from the malaria. We came home in on medical in 2008 because they discovered a mass and it turned out to be a toxin deposit from breathing Ohio Valley air for years, common thing in men especially. they did not do a biophy then, just said to have it check in case it changes in size. All that to say…I think we have seen this storm coming…he has not felt well for the last two months. Also to thank God for the storm because if they can get rid of the parasites that were dormant till now then he will feel so much better. Of course I know you will pray. I sent out a prayer request on fb but you are not on my list. So this was my opportunity to ask for prayer…storms of life…I can’t help but think of so many who are experiencing them right now at this moment. And God is aware of them all…Blessing
Floyd
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 11:42 am
I’m praying for your husband and you Betty. I pray this storm passes thoroughly and quickly. May God move in your lives and your actions might honor Him and you. Thanks for allowing me to be part of your wonderful life sister.
Anyone else reading this please send up your prayers on behalf of Betty and her husband. The malaria was contracted during their time overseas in the service of God. This is a special family of God. Gracious and wise, it is a privilege and honor to be called a family member in Christ with these folks.
tcavey
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 12:04 pm
Love this line- ” It could very well be that the season of our storms won’t pass until our perspective does…”
For the past few days I’ve come across many post speaking to me about learning from our trials and busyness. About asking God to teach us and reveal to us hidden things as we walk through life.
Not sure what it is I’m missing, but I think I better start praying for some revelation! I hate having to repeat lessons. It wastes time and is painful!
You’d think I’d be a better student, but I’m pretty slow at times.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 12:12 pm
Thanks TC. I’d say you’re pretty wise to search for the will and word of God in all circumstances. I should be so wise! I’m figuring between the two of us… I’m the tortoise! I’m actually encouraged by your openness in your search.
tcavey
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 12:18 pm
You’re too kind Floyd (or too hard on yourself)! I’m waaay slower than I should be. I’ve wasted too many years, now I have to catch up!
Floyd
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 9:41 am
I’m just happy to be in the race with you!
Dan Black
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 1:41 pm
I agree. The storms of life can be difficult and challenging and sometimes push us to our breaking point. However, knowing God is leading us through them can bring comfort and peace. This is why relying on God and being closely connected to Him is important.
Floyd
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 9:43 am
Amen Dan. It means everything. I agree, it’s just not easy going through them in this weak flesh.
Nancy
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 6:36 pm
The bible lets us know in advance that “in this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for” Jesus ” has overcome the world. We used to have a Pastor who said, “Are you tribulating? Then, what are you doing in The World” I know he meant for us not to use the world’s system to cope, but to RUN to the banqueting table and get everything we need from The Lord to overcome in the circumstance. I know I need to thank God IN every situation, not FOR the situation itself. My praise and my attention spent on Him will be that turns back the enemy. Ps 8.
From on e “hick” to another LOL.. Randy and I often do the same thing as we sit outside and the Delta winds pick up ’till we can no longer sit out there!
Floyd
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 9:45 am
Thanks Nancy. Well said, “Thank God in every situation, not for the situation.” Words of wisdom. You’re right, when we rest in His hand, the storms have to effect at all.
Hazel Moon
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 12:25 am
We have had our share of storms, but it is wonderful when God holds his umbrella over us to keep us dry through it all. Death has tried to snatch us a time or two, but God sent his angels and the storm passed. I love the way your wife cares about the dogs being safe. Ours would be in the back of their boxes. It is amazing how cozy a nice box (prayer closet) is where you can hide from the adversity!
Floyd
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 9:47 am
I’m with you Hazel, God’s umbrella withstands anything this world has to dish out. And we so often take it for granted. I’m thankful for that umbrella over the ones I care about and the ones doing His will here which includes you and yours. Thanks Hazel.
Voni Harris
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 8:27 am
Good thing God is in control! Thanks for reminding me to look for the cleansing and provision of the storm we’ve been in!
Blessings!
Voni
Floyd
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 9:48 am
It really does take a heavenly perspective doesn’t it? God is in control. All storms are subject to Him. What a blessing! Thanks Voni!
Jason Stasyszen
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 12:55 pm
Love the conversation, Floyd. Reminds me of being back in Oklahoma. 🙂 And you’re right we can rejoice in the trials and storms because we know the One who restores and brings all things into proper order and alignment. In the midst of it, it’s hard to keep that perspective, but if we prepare for it like you said, we won’t be as caught off guard or we can quickly find our bearings in Him. Thanks for this.
Floyd
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 4:54 pm
Thanks Jason. I have to remind myself of these facts fairly often. To ponder things helps I think? We all have a storm on our horizon whether we want it or not…
jake
Sunday, September 2, 2012 @ 12:16 am
I’ve always believed that God says the same thing to people all over the place at the same time. I wrote about something similar to this today. Are you really that much of a hillbilly? You don’t sound like it on the phone. I hope you’re well, friend!
Floyd
Sunday, September 2, 2012 @ 9:44 am
Haa! No, I’m really not that much of a hillbilly, I like to joke about it, but I do enjoy some of the simple things in life. I’m hanging in there, Jake. God is more gracious to me than you can imagine. I need to catch up with you, it’s been a while. It’s great to hear from you.
Diane
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 12:29 pm
Man, I’ve missed coming to your blog, Floyd. I love this. Can New Yorkers be hillbillies? Sounds like Joe and I…LOL…
Great message, as always!
Floyd
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 1:23 pm
Thanks Diane. For sure New Yorkers can be hillbillies! None of us are so different are we? It’s good to hear from you!