For Central Virginia, it's been a difficult and traumatic eight days. In the midst of the crisis we discovered a new word: "Derecho." According to Wikipedia, "Derecho is a widespread, long-lived, straight-line windstorm associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms." I've never heard the word before and prefer to never hear or experience a "Derecho" again.

If you want a story, ask virtually anyone in our area: "How long did you go without power?"

For most, but not all, power has finally been restored. In the midst of the confusion and pain, I heard story after story about the dedication and hard work of thousands utility workers, city and county employees and volunteers who worked long hours in extreme heat under difficult and dangerous circumstances. There were pastors and churches that delivered water, offered showers, opened their buildings as cooling stations and checked up on the elderly.

• A wedding was held at a church with no power: hot, dark but still beautiful.
• A get-together was hosted by a family for the church rather than let their food spoil.
• A Community Mission had power restored before the food was spoiled in the walk-in freezer. Thousands of dollars of valuable food was good to give away to those in need.

"An aid group in South Africa wrote to missionary and explorer David Livingstone, 'Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send others to join you.'"

"Livingston replied, 'If you have others who will come only if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want those who will come even if there is no road at all.'"     -- John Maxwell

The lesson: If you can travel only when the roads are good, where is the ministry?

There is something unique about one who comes when there are no roads. Someone who displays a "can do" spirit stands out in a crowd. There is no better witness of our love for Christ. Being a follower of God is never promised to be easy. At times the road is clearly marked but at times of crisis the road can be slippery, unclear and often treacherous. It is in these difficult times when we are reminded that Jesus also never walked an easy road.

Jesus reminded Peter that his road would be difficult and unmarked: "Feed My sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go." Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow Me." (John 21:18-19)

"Follow Me."

The early disciples faced a "Derecho" of difficulties, yet they continued on and in the midst of the storms, lives were changed, churches formed and ministries begun.

Charles Tindley wrote a beautiful hymn: "When the storms of life are raging, stand by me. When the storms of life are raging, stand by me. When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea, thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me."

As you think about the almighty Christ who stands by you in the midst of any storm, any "Derecho," any blackout, consider your response through this poem/prayer written by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

Refuse to fall down. If you cannot refuse to fall down,
refuse to stay down. If you cannot refuse to stay down
lift your heart toward heaven
and like a hungry beggar, ask that it be filled,
and it will be filled.
 

You may be pushed down. You may be kept from rising.
But no one can keep you from lifting your heart
toward heaven - only you.
 

It is in the midst of misery that so much becomes clear.
The one who says nothing good came of this, is not yet listening...

refuse to fall down.

In the midst of the "Derecho," remember the God who will always be there to stand by you. Strengthen your resolve, travel the unmarked road and in the midst of crisis, lift your heart toward heaven and refuse to fall down.