Mind numbing……. these are the only words I have to describe all that we have witnessed recently with the destruction, loss and death caused by Harvey and Irma. It is difficult to fully comprehend the images that reach out and overwhelm us on social media and television. How are we to process all that has happened in recent weeks in Texas and Florida? Is this even possible? Furthermore, how do we process these events as people of faith? I hear people saying things like, “God is trying to get our attention,” or “God is judging us.” I must say statements like these create a certain amount of discomfort within me. They make God sound petty and a bit scary. Does God really need to destroy homes and property to get us to pay attention? Perhaps the words of the writer of Psalm 46 are warranted here, “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Perhaps before speaking about God, we should spend some time listening to God. Perhaps what our hearts need is to seek God’s presence so that we are better equipped to respond. Maybe then we will be empowered to be agents of peace, love and hope for those in dark situations. I cannot say why these things have happened, at best I’m only guessing. What I can say is that God wants to assure us of God’s presence despite the storms we have witnessed, or the ones that are raging in our lives. We may not have answers to all our questions, but perhaps for now God’s presence in the quiet is enough.