Power Out — Peace On

My mama heart has been doing a little pacing lately.

My precious daughter, Staci, and her amazing husband, Larry, steward a beautiful 62-acre ranch in Alto, Texas — wide skies, tiny homes for retreat and restoration, and a magnificent lodge where lives and businesses are built God’s way. It’s a place where peace feels intentional.

But this week? East Texas turned tundra.

Ice. Snow. Slick roads. And — just to keep things interesting — no electricity. When the sun goes down, so do they. Layers upon layers of clothing. Candlelight. Early bedtimes while they wait for a better morning.

Now, if you’re wondering — yes, this mama offered wisdom.

I reminded my daughter that people survived the 1800s without electricity. That suggestion was received — politely. Then I offered my best idea yet: — the Eskimo method. Bundle up. Cozy close. After all, isn’t body temperature 98.6 degrees? Sounds like a heater to me.

She laughed. I felt helpful — and prayerful for my children. No mama wants to see her children uncomfortable!

But beneath my comedy relief – humor, I hear something beautiful in my girl’s voice: peace. Not panic. Not fear. Just a steady confidence that this too shall pass.

And it will. The lights will come back on. The roads will thaw. Ministry will continue. Life will resume.

Storms have a way of reminding us what truly sustains us. Power can fail. Temperatures can drop. Plans can pause. But God remains steady, present, and faithful — right there in the cold, right there in the dark.

Winter storms come and go. God’s peace abides.

And sometimes, surviving the storm looks like layered socks, shared laughter, and trusting that morning is already on its way.

This mama is praying — and smiling — knowing God will carry them through the winter storm of 2026 — one warm hug at a time.

“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'” Isaiah 41;13