Surviving The Strong Storms of Life

Storms vary in their level of intensity. Some bring welcome rain and pass quickly while other storms are incredibly strong, like hurricanes, and leave behind significant devastation.

Carrying on with normal life in the midst of a hurricane is nearly impossible! That’s how strong the gusts of wind, deluge of rain, damaging hail, lightening, thunder, and more are. They have the potential to become life threatening and result in costly damage.

Stormy weather is possible all year around, but did you know that hurricanes are most likely to occur between August and October? The three worst hurricanes in United States history all took place in September!

• September 8, 1900

  The deadliest hurricane: The Galveston Hurricane which took the lives of between 6,000-8,000 people and resulted in twenty to thirty million dollars’ worth of property damage!

• September 16, 1928

The Lake Okeechobee Hurricane, which hit West Palm Beach in Florida, resulted in damages of approximately 25 million dollars (16 billion today!) and more than 2,500 people drowned.

• September 2,1935

This hurricane hit the Florida Keys between August 29 and September 10^th, but is referred to as The Labor Day Hurricane because that was the day the hurricane peaked. It was the first category 5 storm to strike the US in recorded history. spanned 40 miles and left nearly 500 dead.

Even with ample warning, it’s difficult to fathom the intensity that comes with such weather! There are ways to prepare for a hurricane and shelter in place or you may choose to evacuate, but one thing you can’t do – you can’t control a storm. Hurricanes confirm that.

It’s quite common in Tennessee to experience pounding rain accompanied by wild thunder and lightning. For a California girl like me, such storms are kind of exciting. They remind me of God’s amazing power.

Yet even in minor storms, trees topple over, and when they do, they fall on cars, homes, and even threaten lives.

The Good News!

Some trees fare better than others in storms. Thankfully there are proactive steps that if taken not only protect your trees, but also increase the odds that they will survive a storm. These same tips also shed valuable insights on how you and I might survive the inevitable storms of life.  Check these out:

Tip #1: Pick the Right Tree

If you already have trees in your yard, hope for the best or pay to have them removed!

However, if you get to choose, pick trees that are…

• • • Young, because their roots take hold more easily and are typically healthier when replanted.
    • Able to withstand strong winds, like white oaks, hickories, red maples, and birch trees.
    • Are not cedars, white spruce, or pines. If you live in the south, skip the Bradford Pears, which have a reputation for being lightning magnets.
    • Highly adaptable and able to survive drought, wind, pollution, etc. because they naturally weather storms better.

In life, the ability to adapt personally and professionally is equally important! It’s about being able to quickly and positively respond to change and challenges. It’s about being resilient. And it’s about having a perspective that enables you to see the possibilities so that when you face a strong storms you are better prepared.

Just like you have no control over storms or hurricanes, you also have minimal control around what life brings your way. No one is exempt from difficulties! In fact, Jesus warns us:

“The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:32c-33 (MSG) (emphasis mine)

Tip #2: Plant Trees in Groups

A tree planted all by itself is more vulnerable to wind than a group of trees. In fact, trees that are planted in groups of five or more and spaced about ten feet apart are much less likely to be blown over because their roots interlock, making them all stronger.

Leaders are often lone rangers. If that’s you, consider connecting with other leaders, investing in a solid friend group, and cultivating community so that you are less vulnerable.

Are you a solopreneur? What if you were to connect with others by…

• • • Creating an advisory board?
    • Participating in a mastermind – a group of people committed to learning and growing in a specific area or group coaching?
    • Enlisting the help of a mentor or a coach?
    • Engaging with a leadership or professional organization like Faith Driven Entrepreneur?

If you are more introverted or shy, work remotely, or independently, why not

• • • Get involved in a church community group or small group
    • Take classes or join a meet up in your area
    • Start a dinner club

When you are connected, your odd of weathering life’s storms is that much greater!

Tip #3: Remove Stakes

When trees are first planted, they need the extra support stakes provide. If the stakes are left in place beyond a year, they prevent the tree from swaying and flexing in the wind, which inhibits the tree’s roots from developing and getting stronger.

Leaders, your people are trees! You are the stakes. Allow those you lead to struggle and flex under pressure. It actually allows them to mature and grow in powerful ways that increases your team’s effectiveness and equips them to handle bigger challenges in the future with less of an investment on your part.

Parents, your children are trees. You are the stakes.

Jumping in and solving the problems of others not only hinders their growth, but it also keeps you from investing your time in what only you are able to do and that will have the greatest impact personally and professionally.

Tip #4: Regular Pruning

Dead and forked branches are particularly susceptible to wind. Removing the branches of young trees encourages the trunk of the tree to grow thicker, making the tree stronger. There’s no doubt that regular pruning contributes to a storm-worthy tree.

Regular pruning is also a necessary factor when it comes to surviving the storms of life. Adding responsibilities is easy, but letting go of responsibilities – that’s more challenging. Without consistent pruning, you’ll end up with too much on your plate and feeling overwhelmed – maybe at your breaking point even before a storm shows up on the scene!

Tip #5: Food & Water

A healthy tree has a much greater chance of surviving a storm. That’s why it is important to regularly fertilize and water them.

You have a greater chance of surviving storms when you’re healthy too. That means practicing self-care on a regular basis and engaging in healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutrient rich foods, and being active.

Most importantly, daily feeding your soul by spending time in God’s presence! The temptation is to connect with God only during the tough times or when you need something. However, it’s the consistent, rich time with Him that prepares you for the storms. Reading His Word, meditating on His promises, dwelling on His love for you, asking for His wisdom and help, and worshiping Him are just a few of the ways to nourish your roots so that they are storm-worthy.

But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord will show him that he can be trusted. He will be strong, like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. It is not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes; it always produces fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NCV)

While some seasons are stormier than others, the storms of life are inescapable. Perhaps you’re in the middle of a storm right now. It’s never too late to begin investing in a more storm-worthy lifestyle.

What’s helped you weather life’s storms?

Originally posted on 9/26/17, this post has been updated and revised just for you!