In the midst of the storm

I am safe. My family is safe. My home is secure. And for all of that, I am so grateful.

We’re in the midst of Hurricane Harvey right now, as so many of you are as well. Honestly, I don’t even have the words to comment on the devastation. I’ve seen photos of my friends wading through water in their living rooms. My husband almost caught a fish in our front yard. I’ve huddled with my babies in a closet in the middle of the night and tried to pretend the tornado warnings didn’t really scare me. I’m pretty sure I saw an alligator float past my house.

It’s been so surreal.

The photo was my driveway on Sunday morning after the waters receded significantly. Our house sits very high up in our neighborhood. The water got eerily close.

For us, the worst may be behind us. But even if it’s not, I have such a peace that God is in control. I trust Him with my home. With my family. With my friends. With my life. He is trustworthy not because of what He does or does not do. He is trustworthy because of who He is.

I cannot get out to help. I cannot stop the rain. I cannot guarantee I’ll still have electricity in the morning.

But I can pray.

How, specifically, can I pray for you, friend? Please let me know!

11 Comments

  1. Kay Reed

    Emily, we’re all praying for all of you going through such tragedy. You’re right…God is always in control….we are not.
    God’s blessings on all of you.

  2. Peggy

    Thank you, dearest Emily. It does seem surreal. We will all continue to care as God gives strength and His peace…which truly passes all understanding. He is absolutely our very present help in time of trouble. Love you ~

    • Emily E. Ryan

      You as well. Missing my Sagemont family!

  3. Nancy S.

    Thank God you and your family are safe. We have been glued to the news and the weather channel since Harvey came on shore. It is such a helpless feeling to watch it from such a distance and only be able to offer prayers. No doubt prayer is the least we can do. You all have a long struggle ahead and many problems to face, but God will bring you through it all. Love to all your family.

    • Emily E. Ryan

      Thank you Aunt Nancy! I’m right here and feeling helpless as well. Ready for this water to clear!

  4. Beverly snell

    Emily,
    Thank you for these words! I am safe as well; high ground, no flood waters in the house and no damage to property! I am truly grateful! I can’t get out of my neighborhood either but I continue to pray for those who are SO MUCH less fortunate! Glad you and your family are safe!
    Love to all,
    Beverly

    • Emily E. Ryan

      So happy to hear that Beverly! Love to you as well!

  5. Pamela shirley sagen

    I am so grateful you are all safe and dry. I have been praying for all of you. The news out of Houston has been just so heartbreaking. I pray for all of you and all of those affected by this tragedy.
    Love and prayers to you all!

    • Emily E. Ryan

      Thank you so much! Jason is with Richard and Sherryl now pulling up wet carpet. Could have been so much worse for us. We are thanking God!

  6. M. W.

    Hi Emily I’m truly Glad and grateful to God that you and your family are safe . Theough times are exactly what it is tough. But we save a God who is Great, a God who knows our today’s and our tomorrows. A God who will keep us safe, and keep us praising Him even through a storm like Harvey. My pray is that God’s peace, protection, guidance, direction and
    well being will continue to flow throughout Houston in their time of need in Jesus name. Amen
    You have truly helped my family, your pray for children at school is truly a miracle and a gift from God. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

    • Emily E. Ryan

      You are more than welcome. Prayers and blessings to you!