Storm Chaser

Violent. Disruptive. Tumultuous.

These are words used to describe storms. Both actual and metaphorical. When you hear the word STORM, what do you think? By definition, it ensues chaos. I bet you've never thought of JOY, though. Having the clarity of mind to choose joy during a storm brings freedom. Perhaps even purpose. Most will tell you to push through to the other side of the storm. What happens when you have to sit in it?

Recently I walked out to my car to run errands. As I looked up, dark clouds were moving in. I thought to myself, oh wow, a storm is coming. I got in the car, and I saw a raindrop, and soon I was consumed. The rain poured droplets that reminded me of the size of rain in the movie "A Bug's Life." I sat in my car as it rocked and felt like it would be swept away. I watched garbage cans fall over and spill trash in the streets. The rain was heavy, and the wind was strong. There I sat in the car, watching the storm move and change the scenery.

The rain slowed as the clouds moved over, and the wind calmed. Immediately, God brought back to my remembrance that it's how you wait that matters. I sat and FaceTimed my daughter in my car, whom I was headed to pick up from being discharged from the hospital. We were laughing and talking about the storm as if it was completely non-threatening.

The Lord reminded me of the three years living in a hotel with three teenagers as a homeless, working mother. One was on the way to college, one was heading into senior year, and one was becoming a high school freshman. Yeah, I had my hands full. One of the toughest moments was looking over at my kids and telling them we have to find somewhere to sleep tonight. This storm, at the time, seemed catastrophic, and it cost me the life I knew. In hindsight, I know that God was preparing me for the life He had for me. The problem was me. I hadn't let go when He said to, so He moved, or should I say removed, all the things He needed to so I would only rely on Him.

I sat on the side of the hotel bed in tears several times, and what accompanied the tears were praise and worship. See, I saw the God I served more than the circumstances before me. The same way I sat in my car and trusted the covering, I did the same in the kitchenette hotel room and believed in the God who kept me through all the previous storms. A mother addicted to heroin, molestation, foster care system, rape, teen motherhood, etc. I am truly thankful God saw fit to cover me for all those years.

Had I stepped outside the car, I would have been in harm's way. As long as I stayed put in the safety of my vehicle, I was covered. When we remain in the presence of God, we are safe, and He is our refuge in times of trouble.

Again, how you wait is what matters.

Your attitude, what you say, and who you surround yourself with are important to surrender to the process. The process is the work in the wait.

In my car, I didn't know if the storm would last a few more minutes or hours. If it would gradually wane off or stop abruptly. All I knew is that it would end. How is none of my business.

I wasn't focused on the storm. I knew God would do and be just who He is. God is in control. Not me. Choosing JOY takes your eyes off the storm. Being present is vital, but lack of vision is fatal. Knowing where you are grounds you as you align yourself with the plan God has set for your life.

Finding the courage to trust God in the middle of the calamity of life at times doesn't make you unrealistic, it just makes you an optimist.

Being human doesn't mean you can't be happy.

Joy isn't a guarantee of perfect outcomes, but it is a companion to peace. Choosing joy is not always easy. Especially when those around you are prone to panic, Opt for joy anyway. It is an expression of courage and a testament to your faith.

Oftentimes we worry not out of a lack, but a fear of not being safe.

What does safety look like for you? A hefty bank account, titles, material possessions. Sometimes we equate success or what we think it looks like, with safety. None of these things bring certainty and even if you had them, it doesn't guarantee you'll keep them.

Another reason you may have this need for safety is a traumatic experience that planted the seed of uncertainty as a child. Times when there was never enough growing up. Not enough food, school supplies, or no money for simple things kids may enjoy, like toys. Whatever it was, it wasn't yours. Or in very short supply. This now feeds your need to control what you have and the amount of it. This brings a level of comfort. When you lose control the discord becomes pandemonium. Getting to the root of this need for control and illusion of safety will heal the trauma while helping you choose joy in the face of adversity.

When we trust the one who has cattle on a thousand hills. Jehovah Jireh, the provider. Keeping our eyes fixed on the one true source we can be sure He will send the resource. We don't have to wait until we have no other options to let go of the reigns and follow His leading. We can trust Him in the storm of life by rejoicing in who He has always been to and for us.

Niccole Nelson is an innovative thought leader, entrepreneur, childhood trauma expert, and author based in Detroit. She’ll be launching a podcast where you’ll hear stories of women who found their voice, strength and collaboration in community, life and business mixed with good vibes and girl power. She uses her creative eye for details, love for people and gift of storytelling to evoke positive change in the lives of those she serves. When she’s not working with clients, you can find her finishing her upcoming book Bare, serving in her community, speaking at various events, ogling a new handbag or laughing with her kids.

Hang out with Niccole at

www.instagram.com/niccolelnelson (@niccolelnelson)

www.Facebook.com/niccolenelson

niccolenelson.com