I’m writing this blog from a hospital on an island off the coast of Spain. My husband and I set sail from Barcelona on a 14-night transatlantic cruise to Florida to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. On our first stop we rented electric bikes to tour the city. Towards the end of our tour he had a terrible accident, breaking six of his ribs (three of which have two breaks) and fracturing his hip. We spent the next seven nights in a hospital where barely anyone spoke any English. We were afraid, confused and desperate to come home.
In moments like these it’s easy to wallow in self-pity and depression. Our dream vacation was ruined. My husband was in agonizing pain (and still is 2 weeks later). As his caregiver I struggled to communicate with the hospital staff and advocate for him. I felt alone.
I wonder if you can relate. Maybe you have a child battling cancer. Or your spouse is injured or dealing with chronic pain. Maybe you lost your job or are struggling with infertility. Perhaps you struggle during the holidays – they may bring up bad memories or make you feel alone.
God With Us
On one of the first days in the hospital I took a walk outside. It was raining and I was listening to a playlist I created for times when I need to connect to God and feel His presence. I set it up to play songs in the playlist randomly. I turned a corner and the song, “Praise You in This Storm” by Natalie Grant began playing.
And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
Cause You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I stood, listening to the song in the rain, then looked at the mountains and … a rainbow appeared out of nowhere. I felt God’s presence and knew in that moment that everything was going to be ok. That He was with us and would never leave or forsake us, just like He promises in the Bible (see Deuteronomy 31:8).
He’s promised the same to you. In fact, that’s what Christmas is about. Jesus is called Emmanuel – “God with us.”
He’s with you. If you feel alone, you’re not. If you’re confused, you can look to Him for wisdom. If you’re afraid, let Him be your strength. If you’re desperate, cry out to Him and He will answer you (Psalm 120:1).
Praise Him, even if it’s pouring and you can’t see the rainbow yet. He may not calm the storm, but if He doesn’t, He can calm you.
If you need someone to talk to about the storm you’re going through, call the Renewing Life Center at 702-434-7290 to set up an appointment with one of our compassionate Christian counselors.
Jennifer Antonucci, M.A., LMFT, LCADC