The Worst Natural Disaster In Our Nation's ...

The worst natural disaster in our nation’s history blew in as a category 4 hurricane battering Galveston, Texas, on September 8, 1900. Winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and tidal surges of 16 feet slammed the island. More than 6,000 people lost their lives, and more than 3,600 homes and buildings were destroyed. After much life altering devastation, residents of Galveston made some radical changes. They built a sea wall 17 feet high and 3 miles long to protect the area. With sand bars and ground soil engineering, they also raised the elevation of the entire city by several feet. When a storm of equal strength hit the island just a few years later, minimal damage was incurred, because the people were prepared.

When the hurricanes of life hit us, we must choose how we respond. Our relationships are blown apart because we’re completely unprepared. We get pounded by an unexpected tragedy or crisis that blindsides us. We can’t prevent the hurricane winds of change. But we can prepare for them and learn from prior storms. Storms will come sooner or later.

The winds of change will either make us stronger or knock us down. In marriage the problems the problems and trials will either draw the couple closer together or destroy the relationship. In our body, illness and injury can destroy our spirit or make us stronger than before. In our career, a lost opportunity can snuff out our dreams or inspire us to fan the flames harder. It all depends upon our response.