Life’s Storms

I can bend, but I won’t break! This became my mantra after reading about how palm trees have the ability to bend in a strong wind, but not break. They have deep roots to help them stay anchored in tropical storms. I needed that strength to take care of my husband who had suffered from severe anxiety and depression for years. Every day presented some new challenge.

Would he pace the house wringing his hands and sweating profusely with anxiety, or would he sit depressed on the sofa for hours crying? I tried to be prepared for the storm. In either scenario, I tried to console him without breaking down myself.

A friend came for coffee one afternoon. Suddenly, she looked at her wrist. “I keep getting this overwhelming feeling that I should give you this.” She slipped off her charm bracelet and gave it to me. It had only one charm, a silver dove. On the dove was engraved the words, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I immediately knew this was my new mantra! It was so calming to draw my strength from Christ instead of a tree. I became rooted in the word of God.