When “Suddenly” Strikes
There we were — taco in one hand, enchilada in the other –celebrating my bonus daughter Amelia’s birthday at El Alma’s in Austin.
The conversation was as rich as the queso, especially as we praised Amelia, who is a beloved middle school social worker with a superpower: making people feel seen, safe, and strong. She’s practically a walking emotional support system, and I can’t imagine a better person to have in a school right now.
Then — suddenly — cue the movie soundtrack of shock and awe!
The sunny skies turned charcoal gray. The trees started breakdancing. Winds howled. And just like that, our peaceful celebration turned into a storm-watch episode.
On the way home, our Waze app rerouted us like a maze, avoiding downed trees, flooded roads, and who-knows-what-else. What should’ve been a short drive turned into an Austin obstacle course.
The next morning’s headlines read like a disaster reel: one person was swept away in flood waters and died, a gas station’s roof collapsed on a car, glass shattered at the airport, and even the Texas State Capitol lost windows near the top of its rotunda. All of it — in minutes. That’s what “suddenly” can look like!
And that’s what this blog is really about.
What do we do when life throws us a suddenly? A diagnosis. A job loss. A relationship that takes a hard left. We don’t see it coming. But God always does.
Our brains are wired to react to danger — it’s that old negativity bias. But we don’t have to stay stuck in fear. Instead of scolding ourselves for feeling anxious, we can pause and pray:
“God, thank You for an amazing brain. But I only want instructions from You.”
Then we get to choose:
“Did this come to harm me — or promote me?”
“Slow me down — or grow me up?”
Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Not some things. All things.
Storms may blow in fast, but they don’t get the final word. God does. And He says, “Hold on to Me. I’ll guide you through this.”
So, when life brings a suddenly, let’s take a breath, grab hold of our Father’s hand, and walk on. He knows the way. In fact — He is the Way-Maker!