Raining in Georgia
Atlanta got hammered by storms last weekend.
My family had gathered there to celebrate the fourth birthday of my grandson George. It was raining when we arrived, and it was raining harder when we left on Sunday. Although the joy and laughter of my grandchildren were life-giving, infectious and hope-building, the storms and clouds were relentless. Quite a contrast.
Record-setting rain, lightening, flooding, shock, loss of property, loss of life, fear, pain and loneliness. In mansions and in shacks, people are dealing with the thoughts and emotions of the song written by Tony Joe White in 1962, Rainy Night in Georgia.
As I drove south out of Atlanta, I contemplated the pain and loneliness in much of human experience. I also thought through the raw life experiences recorded in the Bible – especially in Job and the Psalms. It may even be raining in your life right now.
Although my life has been blessed – free from much of the trauma that is familiar to many – I do know about loss, broken relationships, unfulfilled dreams, betrayal, grief and fear.
Tony Joe White includes an interesting phrase near the end of his romantic poem. Perhaps these words hint at how he made it through the storms of life, or perhaps they were only meant to impress the current object of his affection. “When it’s hard to rest I hold your picture to my chest and I feel fine.”
So here is the question. In times of pain, what is it that you hold to your chest in the hope of getting the power, direction and hope that are beyond your abilities?
Pain is universal. But knowledge of the love and mercy of our resurrected Savior is not universal. Billions of priceless souls must face the storms of life without a picture of the only One that can transform darkness into light, hopelessness into hope, and brokenness into wholeness.
Hold Jesus close this week. It may be raining, but there is a Rainbow of promise. Jesus is the hope of the world. Share that Good News.
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3 Responses to “Raining in Georgia”
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Some people call me a “mission mobilizer.” I am passionate about helping people connect with Christ and his mission in ways that change the world.
I am really an ordinary guy with no remarkable gifts or abilities. However, God has surrounded me with extraordinary people. Read more >>
Yeah, James! I love this post — and the four others that I’ve just read. I’m so glad you’ve entered the blogging world. I can ‘hear’ your voice as I read and have been encouraged by your posts. Keep ‘em coming and know that I am passing them along to others too!
Thanks Brother for the encouraging words of truth. Often times when it is raining we don’t want to venture outside without our umbrella’s. Once we pop that up, we feel better, somewhat protected if you will, even though it is still raining. I picture our Heavenly Father like a big umbrella. While life goes on around us, and somedays are rainy, He stands ready to protect..Thanks for the great picture.
Blessings, Mark
This is great, James! What a great visual story!! Joellen put it on Facebook and I was glad I saw it! I always loved hearing you speak, and now I can hear you via the internet! Glad you joined the web-life!