Stay Rooted

By Dr. Marcia

Recently I experienced the remanence of a hurricane and technically a storm. Being from a Caribbean country, Jamaica, I have been through many storms. Storms that were devastating, storms that left the country and the area I was in a state of seemingly disrepair. As I experienced the storms, I thought about the thunder, the lightning, the persistently heavy downpour, the trees being battered, the zincs flying in the air, people’s roofs going everywhere, various objects that are not hunkered down going here and there and even tides and waves rising. I also personalized the storms and how figuratively storms affect my life. Storms of life are everywhere and affect people in different ways, and mine are no exception. Important reminder is that no storm lasts forever and just like in a real hurricane, storms move from side to side but there are definitely here to make us stronger. I somehow think of those days when I see storms and the devastation just seem overwhelming and things just don’t seem to be able to come back together, but with time and efforts from people, things start to be rebuilt and come back together and I even look in awe and wonder how things seems as if nothing happened.

One thing I am certain of is that storms are never friendly, no matter the size or category. They can beat me up and they have made me feel as if I am going under, but then I have to dig deep and stay rooted.

Speaking of staying rooted, as I walked in the park the morning after the recent storm I experienced, it was obvious that some of the trees were uprooted and I thought about how these big, seemingly strong trees were uprooted. Not just the limbs and branches, but most were UPROOTED!! Again, I thought of life for me, the storms of life can uproot me if I am not planted firmly in what I believe and most of all in whom I believe. Will my faith be uprooted by a storm that come my way? Will I be morally sound or rooted? Will the storm knock me off my feet? Will I be prepared?

How can I make sure I am prepared for a storm? Well, I do know that part of the preparation for a storm is making sure there is enough food supply, the house is in order – which means making sure that the roofs and buildings are ready to withstand the winds and rain. Preparation means that outdoor furniture is hunkered down so they can’t “fly” away. It also means making sure there is enough water stored just in case the water has to be turned off. There could also be loss of electrical supply, so I have to prepare by getting candles, lanterns, flashlights, lamps, or generators ready, in the event there is a loss of electrical power. Most of all, the weather authorities sometimes warn against going outside during the storm, during the eye of a hurricane, just in case there are flying debris or objects. If I am not prepared, I could be caught off guard and left without even essential items.

Just like the physical storms of life, I can be caught off guard in my personal storm of life, and so I must also prepare. It should be noted that the storms will definitely come, and I can ensure that I include the following tips:

1. Giving praise or simply giving thanks for the storm, no matter what the magnitude. Believe it or not the storms prepare me for future living and other storms. During the storm I can spend time praying while giving praise.
2. I can’t give up, I must persevere. Giving up means I am not giving myself a chance at surviving. I must stay on the target and not expect there to be a quick solution to the problem (storm).
3. I must be rooted, grounded and firmly planted. This also means staying focused and not lose hope or faith. Things will and can get better.
4. I can draw strength from within or I can draw strength from friends, family or even co-workers because iron can sharpen iron. This also means that we can learn from each other because really and truly, “no man is an island” and we need each other. They can encourage me in some way or other.

After a storm, I realize that some supplies could be limited, (water, food, electrical supplies), but thank God, that he is able to supply ALL my needs no matter what. I must stay rooted in Him so He will continue to lead me to my purpose on this earth. Overall, I must embrace my storms because I wouldn’t get my strength and the storms also gets my attention. Since I am an educator, it also means that I build my life on integrity, and good moral standards so that my students and those whom I encounter will have a positive role model in me.