Back during the last presidential campaign there was a statement made by then Candidate Obama that has stuck with me.  A reporter asked a question that recalled the devastation that Hurricane Katrina wrought on the Gulf Coast.  The reporter asked Obama how he plannned to address the devastation and the recovery plans.  And he said something to answer it…and then said more importantly that people all over the US are experiencing internal personal storms.

And now I bring this up NOT as a political statement.  And it actually has very little to do with the President Obama other than he hit upon a significant truth.  In more recent days, we have seen devastation in Haiti that dwarfs Catrina or 9/11 even.  And yet, it is true, that though these disasters are all epic in proportion….millions of people are suffering on various levels every day.  Many of them have no hope or way out of this suffering.

And I have to say, that I am one of those who is expercing a personal storm right now.  And I can see an even bigger storm on the horizon.  And I am just thinking “Dear God, how can this go on?  Have mercy Oh God!”.  The pain is so immense it defies description.  Other people try to understand…but few can.  And I get that.  It’s ok.  But God does understand.  And He loves me…and I cherish that truth.  It’s my life preserver.  I cling to it constantly.

Brother Lawrence says that suffering brings even greater capacity to love God.  And that’s certainly Biblical.  Hardship tests us.  It tests our hearts.  It refines us. I believe that…but it doesn’t make it any less difficult.  No less painful.