The Rainbow Bridge

08Oct
If the Lord had not been on our side, let Israel now say; If the Lord had not been on our side, when enemies rose up against us; Then would they have swallowed us up alive in their fierce anger toward us; Then would the waters have overwhelmed us and the torrent gone over us; Then would the raging waters have gone right over us. Blessed be the Lord! He has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

-Psalm 124


Though I’ve never been to the Lake Lure Rainbow Bridge (pictured above) before it was washed away in the floods caused by Hurricane Helene, it felt like such a painful loss when I read about it. I felt heartbroken for grieving pet owners, who over the years, had left their beloved family members’ collars along the rails of the rainbow bridge. I felt especially saddened for families who had lost everything, having lost this too.


But then I read a different person’s epiphany about the loss of the Rainbow Bridge: These pets who have passed over are now freed to guide the ones left behind.


In some ways, isn’t that how we are, having survived Katrina and numerous hurricanes, floods, and storms? We’re here to guide others through their storms, whether that’s through emotional, physical, financial, or any other sort of support. We know that they will survive and rebuild, even though it’s hard and heartbreaking in the midst of the survival. My prayer for myself and you today is for God to grant us the discernment to know how to be a help and a guide to others during their survival and aftermath of Helene.


Musical Reflection - "Rainbow Connection" with Kermit the Frog, Choir! Choir! Choir!, and New Yorkers at Lincoln Center


God, thank You for being with me during Katrina and the floods and storms of my life. Please give me the discernment of what to do to help others through the storms and floods of their life, and help me to be of service in the best way I can. I am listening and willing to do what You ask of me to help others, particularly for those who are figuring out their next steps after Helene. Amen.

PrayerStrength

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