Dearest Wintergarden Faith Community,
Occasionally, you will receive emails that are titled “Keepin’ It Real with Pastor Devon.” These emails will be very specific in purpose, focused on something important happening at Wintergarden, and important for all to read.
Thanks for taking a few minutes to read and respond if asked.
Blessings,
Pastor Devon
 |
Just taking a minute to write and let you know I am praying with you as I watch the Weather Channel.
Dearest Wintergarden Faith Community-
Peace of Christ be with you this day and in the days to come.
Friends, I woke up on Sunday morning in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina with the inclination of the anxiety that Tropical Storm Idalia would be causing you as you gathered for worship.
And now, as many of us watch the weather channel and see the various spaghetti models of Idalia, I remember how we were all doing this exactly 11 months ago to the day. So I know there is some anxiety and fear that is arising within, it is felt in my household as well. And then, when I received the phone calls that Sarasota and Charlotte Counties schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, I knew there would be great concerns all around.
Friends, we have been here before. And we will be here again. It is the hard part of living in Florida. Yet, storms will come and they will go. The wind will be real and the trees could bend. The rain will come and a storm surge might happen. And, then, nothing could happen; the storm could turn further north, and that is when we pray for the rest of our state and see how we can support them as they have supported us. It is also my prayer that those who haven’t been able to protect their homes since Hurricane Ian are able to do so with tarps or get to a safe place to “ride out the storm”.
So today I kept thinking about what were words of comfort I could offer. The first thing that crosses my mind is for everyone to be kind to themselves, kind to one another, and remember that everyone is facing a different storm. That Idalia will bring up much trauma from Ian. Be patient with one another as well. As people grab “essentials” just in case Idalia impacts our community, be patient in gas lines, at the grocery store, or while driving. Remember that you are loved and you are called to love one another through every storm of life. And I find my hope and my peace in these words from Psalm 46. I hope they provide peace for you as well.
God is our refuge and strength,
a help always near in times of great trouble.
That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart,
when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea,
when its waters roar and rage,
when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Selah
There is a river whose streams gladden God’s city,
the holiest dwelling of the Most High.
God is in that city. It will never crumble.
God will help it when morning dawns.
Nations roar; kingdoms crumble.
God utters his voice; the earth melts.
The Lord of heavenly forces is with us!
The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah
Come, see the Lord’s deeds,
what devastation he has imposed on the earth—
bringing wars to an end in every corner of the world,
breaking the bow and shattering the spear,
burning chariots with fire.
“That’s enough! Now know that I am God!
I am exalted among all nations; I am exalted throughout the world!”
The Lord of heavenly forces is with us!
The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah
