I feel numb. That’s the best way to describe it. Perhaps you feel the same, especially if you are a Floridian.
I’m sure you have heard about massive hurricane Irma heading toward Florida after bullying her way through the Caribbean. Well, I happen to live in central Florida, right in the way of her path. Let’s just say it’s been a crazy week of hurricane preparation.
Last Sunday, after church, my husband and I went by our local grocery store to pick up a few items for the week. The next day, the governor of Florida declared a state of emergency. What? Where did that come from? The following five days were a frenzy of buying water, canned goods, bread and gas for the cars. We made six trips to the store in an attempt to find water without success. (If only we had thought to buy water that Sunday afternoon). We finally found some at the beach when we went to secure a vacation home.
So, we have food, water, flashlights, batteries and a plan for when it gets really bad. We even have a plan for a makeshift “yard” in the garage for our dog to, well, you know.
I think I’m numb because I don’t know what to expect.
We are prepared as best we can be and we are waiting for what is to come.
One of my friends posted a list of Bible verses about fear and anxiety on Facebook. I took some time this morning to write out each of these verses on index cards. Meditating on these verses may be one of the best things I can do to prepare for this hurricane.
If you think about it, pray for us in Florida.
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Kim Wilbanks 
i’m praying for you. Be safe. The world needs you and your beautiful words.
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Oh, thank you so much for the kind words. It means a lot to me! We survived!
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Hi Kim,
We met at the BRMWC and are friends on Facebook.
Thank you for sharing. I lost my home in Hurricane Goerge 1998. It was complete rubble. I went through Wilma, Francis, and several other hurricanes after that. The emotions we struggle with prior, during and post storms are tremendous. Especially for people who are riding out one of these monsters for the first time. It’s okay to feel the fear even though we have faith. Last weekend I was on a ferry with my husband coming back from an island getaway. There was a terrible storm going on as we boarded the boat. I was very nervous about taking the half hour ride to get home. The seas were so rough we were told to stay in our seats. As the waves smashed over the bow of the boat I began praying and thanking God for everything I could think of. It got so bad while I was praying I felt physically sick.
While my eyes were still closed I pictured Jesus walking on the water while carrying me in his arms. The last ten minutes of the ferry ride I was completely at peace.
Jesus rebuked the storm and said “Peace! be still.” I think of this often when I’m afraid and focus on Him
Please let us know how you did after the storm.
Peace,
Inspiring Souls
http://www.inspiringsouls.com
http://www.inspiringsouls1.blogspot.com
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Thank you so much for these kind words! I’m so sorry to hear about your home! I live in Polk County so we got Charley, Francis and Jeanne in 2004. We lost 2 40-year-old Magnolia trees and had water damage. I felt pretty calm in this storm, I’m pretty sure it was because I meditated on those verses. I know what you mean about feeling anxiety after the hurricanes.
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Do you live in the keys? I have a young cousin married to a Navy guy stationed in Key West. They live on a different key. I know they evacuated.
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It has been crazy…hope all is well.
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Yes, we survived!
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😅
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