Skip to main content

Storms and Full Moons

I never believed the old wives’ tale about crazy behaviors during a full moon until I became a teacher. People who work in public schools or in emergency rooms can attest that this is a fact. I don’t know if there is a secret chat among students to plan out just how far they can push their teachers or if they really are being affected by the unknown gravitational force of the full phase of the moon. 

In addition to the lunar abnormalities at school, our area was once again plagued with a hurricane. This caused the postponement of normal life as our region held its collective breath waiting to see where the most damage would occur. Our county was spared severe damage, but counties to our east were affected. After surviving Hurricane Michael in 2018, every storm in the tropics has us on full alert.

It goes without saying that it was definitely “one of those weeks.” Emotions run high. So do frustrations. In my flesh, I become exhausted and overly sensitive. A simple phone call is enough to make me question my worth, which is something that happened this week. 

Fortunately, I am surrounded by a tribe of people that pray with me and help me get my feet firmly planted back on my Rock. When I am nearly in tears, I can go to these few who help me back off of the ledge of emotional meltdown and see reason when all I can hear is the voice of the enemy whispering doubts in my mind.

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

I have often told my children and my students how very important it is to wisely choose friends who will help build you up. The same has applied for me well into adulthood. When I am surrounded with encouraging people, those who I know will pray and keep my worries in confidence, the stronger I become spiritually. 

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

The early Church understood the concept of sharing burdens. On days that I’m stronger, it’s necessary for me to encourage others. But God created us to be in relationships with one another to draw us closer to Him.

The challenge today is simple: find your tribe. Search for and attach yourself to that group of people (large or small) that you can be completely honest with. Share your joys together. Let them help you on your hard days. Allow yourselves to show one another the unconditional love and acceptance that God so graciously has given us. That’s how you you weather the storms of life. And full moons.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Feelings and Faith

Vulnerable moment: it’s been a crazy week. If I’m being honest, the last six months or more have been wrought with uncertainty and so many questions within myself about my purpose.  I’ve been in a season of transition in our family with adapting to having an independent adult child and an independent teenage son-both of whom are thriving. So my purpose as a mom has shifted into steadfast support and guidance from a distance rather than rushing to the rescue, which I know is where we should be with them. This shift has adjusted our marriage. Lyndon and I are both learning how to navigate this new territory, and I’m so grateful we have each other.  My Daddy died suddenly last year, and I am still grieving the unexpected loss and what could have been. Grief is a strange journey and differs for everyone. What I know is Christ gives me the most profound peace when I feel my turbulent heart trying to sway me. But it certainly is a sadness that is layered. Because of these major life...
Post a Comment
Read more

He’s Already Heard My Prayer

This is one of the most difficult pieces to write. My dad, Steve, passed away this morning unexpectedly. He was the “Music Man” in my world who made life a song.  Daddy was responsible for putting me on the stage. At two years old, he stood me on the altar at church so everyone could watch me sing “Victory in Jesus.”   At twelve, he was teaching me how to set up equipment and mix sound. As a teenager, we wrote songs together. His love of music is so deeply ingrained in me that I feel a piece of that is somehow missing now. Things were not always great between me and Daddy. In fact, we went for a long time without having contact with one another. I’m so grateful that God restored our relationship in his final years. Neither one of us were perfect in our relationship, but I always loved him deeply. So today, I’m heartbroken. Memories are flooding my mind, and there are so many things I still wanted us to share. I know the coming days will be filled with waves of grief and the st...
Post a Comment
Read more

Five Favorite Things

  With Valentine's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the "stuff" that I really like. Flowers are great, and jewelry is nice. But if you want a friend gift or something a little more unique, here are a few ideas. Perhaps this post will help you shop for the perfect gift that will become a "favorite thing." For the Music Lover If you are purchasing for a musician or vocalist, you have a ton of options including a guitar pick necklace or keyring to tickets for a concert. Even vintage gifts like records have made a strong comeback in the music community. Things to consider when purchasing for your musical genius: what is their favorite genre? Who is their favorite artist? Before buying that album, make sure they don't already have it. For the Teacher I can tell you most assuredly what many teachers DON'T need: another mug. Even though this seems like a simple, cute gift, as a teacher, I have difficulty parting with any gift from students. I have ...
Post a Comment
Read more