“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
What Have We Just Been Through?
Brothers and sisters, the past few days have tested every one of us. Hurricane Melissa, the “Slow, Strong, Stalling Storm”, sat over our island longer than we expected. As it formed from a depression that dumped tons of water on the country, it took its time till it decided to become a storm, and before being a proper storm, jumped to a category 5 hurricane. Melissa brought days of worry and anxiety for many; then for others, flooding, fallen trees, damaged homes, and interrupted power, water, and communication systems.
This hurricane reminded us that we are not in control of the wind or the rain — but we know the One who is. Many of us felt anxiety as we listened to the forecasts, and some of us even felt what counsellors call “anticipatory grief” — that quiet dread of what might be lost. Yet, through it all, God remained faithful.
How Do We Process the Fear and Fatigue?
Even people of strong faith sometimes feel shaken after the storm. It is okay to admit that.
Pete Scazzero, in “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality”, reminds us that emotional honesty is part of spiritual maturity. When we acknowledge our fear, weariness, or sadness before God, we open the door for His comfort and healing.
Take a few moments this week to pause and breathe. Pray. Journal. Talk to someone. Don’t rush past your emotions — bring them before God in prayer. He can handle your tears and your questions.
How Can We Recover — Together?
The theme for this month is “Collaboration” — and what a fitting word for this season!
After this hurricane, we are reminded that we truly need each other. We are heartened by the offers of help from overseas; the United States, England, and many other countries have offered to help Jamaica. Recovery will take some time. Our brothers and sisters in the JBU have suffered major damage to their chapels and other buildings, and the JBMA is currently assessing the damage to coordinate relief efforts. We suffered very little damage to part of our building at Golden Spring. Let us therefore help others as we are able
So Let Us Look Out for One Another
A simple phone call or a warm meal can be an act of grace. Even though some of us still have not been able to connect with some relatives since the hurricane. And even others are still without electricity.
If you are going to the grocery store to get something, offer to pick up something for your neighbour as well.
If someone’s heart is heavy, offer a prayer or a listening ear.
This is not the time for selfishness or isolation — it is the time for community, compassion, and collaboration. Recovery will take quite a few weeks, months, or even years. Let us be patient.
Remember, the damage is not only physical, but for many, the trauma will linger for a long time. So let us be mindful and reach out as we are able.
What Can We Learn from the Saints?
This Sunday is All Saints (All Souls) Sunday, when we remember those who have gone before us — ordinary believers who remained faithful through their own storms or hurricanes. Their faith reminds us that resilience is not built in comfort but in adversity.
Like them, we too can be saints-in-the-making, allowing the challenges we face to deepen our trust in God and strengthen our compassion for others. Let us honour their memory by living with quiet courage, steady hope, and a spirit of love. Jesus is the one who not only calms the wind and the boisterous sea, but our trembling hearts as well.
Where Do We Go from Here?
As we clean up and rebuild, may we hold fast to this truth: God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Let us rise each day with gratitude for life, renewed determination to serve, and assurance that better days are ahead. The same God who kept us through this hurricane will guide us through recovery together.
“Hope is the anchor of the soul — not because the seas are calm, but because God holds the ship steady.” Unknown