hurricane Irma – Laura Bennet

What Turned My Heart to Christmas

December 17, 2017

This year the idea of Christmas has been rough.

With Hurricane Irma, all of us in Florida feel like we lost a month. I’m sure so many others across the country have felt the same with fires, earthquakes, floods and hurricanes robbing us of daily life.

So Christmas crept up with a suddenness that stalled me.

In addition, some personal challenges made it difficult to embrace the season. I cried at the thought of what this year may be like for my family and for so many in my area still struggling to recover from tragedy. But then my heart flipped.

It started with O Holy Night.

A line in that song (one of my personal favorites), says

“…a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.”

I can relate to being weary. Weary of recovering from trauma. Weary of the emotional roller coaster of relational issues. Physically weary of biking each day to a new job. And weary of the spiritual attacks of an enemy that wants to destroy my peace, joy and marriage.

But that is why Jesus came.

And as I sang with our congregation, allowing tears to fall, my heart grew a little hope–a small thrill if you will–that held promise. Just a hint. Because Jesus is my hope. He’s given me such peace and faithfully provided for me during this season of weariness.

This past week I still couldn’t bring myself to play Christmas carols.

But after another day of singing them at church both in our worship service and at another get together, I found my heart opening up to the possibilities. Allowing myself to be swept into the presence of God and gratitude for the birth of our Lord and Savior, I found release in the tears and joy in the celebration.

God calls us to live today. Nothing more. Nothing less.

When the Israelites were in exile for hundreds of years before Jesus came, God told them to live well there. Marry, give in marriage, eat, drink. Live. Don’t waste away because you are in a place that is less than what you’d like it to be.

So I decided to focus on what Christmas is, rather than what it might not be this year.

Christmas is celebrating Jesus coming to a lost, weary world to offer us a way to God.
Christmas is a time for love, joy, peace and hope.
Christmas is about sharing in relationships: friends, strangers and yes, family.
Christmas is about giving. Whatever resources we have. Maybe we don’t have money, but we may have time, or a listening ear, or a hug or gift wrapping skills. We can offer a ride or be a personal shopper. Let’s be creative.
Christmas is about traditions. Keeping some old ones, making some new ones. Memory making lasts forever. Let’s make some good ones.

So I sang my heart out in gratitude to God. I gave what I could to those who needed something. I decorated. Lit advent candles. Put on my favorite Christmas music. And the very things I didn’t think I could bring myself to do have created an atmosphere of peace and joy.

I’m not sure all of what Christmas will look like this year. But at this moment, it looks pretty good.

How have you found a way to embrace Christmas and Christ this season?

If you need a thrill of hope, check out my church’s Thrill of Hope series at NextLevelChurch.com and if you’re in the Southwest Florida area we invite you to celebrate with us on December 23 and 24th during one of our many services at three locations.

When Hope is Lost

October 16, 2017

The past few months have devastated our nation with natural disasters in abundance. Fires, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and the tragic shooting in Las Vegas leave us reeling with anger, grief, questions and perhaps hopelessness.

One nation under God.

A nation begun by those seeking God’s ways and freedom to live in them the way they chose. A nation whose pilgrims initially embraced help with gratitude from those who lived here before them as they all celebrated the unique offerings their differences yielded.

But now that nation is torn apart.

Hatred, racism, politics, disrespect and tragic disaster reign as each person tries to fix the issues in their realm or in their own heart. Many turn their anguish and heartache toward God with a shaking fist asking

“Where are you, God?”

I’ve certainly had my days of wondering where God is in all of this.

And I believe the answer to the question isn’t that God is absent, but that he’s present in each circumstance and life offering love, hope and something good to come out of all the bad. Maybe the good is a sense of unity like what happened in Florida and across the nation as a result of Irma. Perhaps it’s finding our neighbors and how we can help each other. It could even be someone turning to God for comfort.

God is with us.

It’s interesting to me that when good happens we are quick to point to ourselves—how we invented or accomplished or created something. But when bad happens we are quick to point at God with an accusing finger.

It’s our glory and God’s fault, right?

What if we flipped that around? What if all the mess of the world is actually us doing our own thing, going our own way, believing that we have answers and know what’s best but in reality we’re arrogantly messing things up?

What if God truly has the answers, has a way for our lives to work well, offers us good for the taking?

This side of heaven, nothing is going to fix this world. Oh, we can improve on things, feed the poor and take care of orphans and widows (just as Jesus told us to do). But since man chose to do his own thing from the beginning of creation, God turned the world over the to the father of lies, the one who kills, steals and destroys, the current ruler of earth.

Does that mean God isn’t in control?

Nope. He’s much greater than his and our enemy. His love far surpasses the evil of the world (Wonder Woman recognized it.) But he also doesn’t force anyone to follow him, love him or obey his ways. He gives us a choice. And much of the crisis in the world has been our choice.

Maybe not yours or mine in a given situation, but ours as a nation.

I love that even if we choose not to follow God, he pursues us, woos us and stays close to us waiting for us to turn around and embrace him. Like a lover—the lover of our soul desires relationship with us and longs for us. He will even allow something difficult to put up a roadblock so we will turn around and see him there with open arms.

In the end, God is our only hope.

He creates life in the face of death, streams of water in wastelands, rescue from bondage and offers an eternity in his presence. Each day, when I keep my eyes and heart focused on the One who loves me most and best, I am settled in peace and hope no matter what rages around me.

The same can be true for you.

Maybe it already is. But it’s not always without difficulty. Keeping our thoughts focused on someone we can’t see isn’t an easy task. That’s where faith comes in. Creation around us, God’s word and the testimony of others who know and follow Jesus help keep us on track. Listening to soothing music helps keep me focused.

Hope is never really lost.

We may feel hopeless at a point of crisis or loss or when we look at the devastation and wonder what we can possibly do to make a difference. But for each simple act, like a prayer or a few dollars or a bottle of water, we offer hope and our hope is restored.

After all, God, who is love, is also our hope.

If you are feeling hopeless, I would love to pray for you. Let me know in the comments below or email me at laurabennet14@gmail.com

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When Are Boundaries Good?

October 1, 2017

Driving after Hurricane Irma proved tricky.

The lack of street lights or traffic signals left everyone accountable for following the rules of the road without directions for when to stop, go or turn. Left turns especially created challenges because of timing. Which side should turn when? Should we turn together as a traffic light would indicate? Some folks decided they alone owned the road and made their own rules.

Accidents escalated.

City officials wisely set a curfew at 8 p.m. but many balked at the restriction, feeling inhibited by the temporary law. They seemed to believe the guidelines were set to hinder life rather than protect it. But without lights, no one could see to safely navigate around other cars or obstacles in the road especially through intersections.

One night while attempting to get to a friend’s house as dark closed in, I completely understood the reason for the curfew. The roads weren’t safe. My heart raced as I tried to navigate the turns and intersections still without power. I narrowly missed a tree in my lane. It was only a few minutes after curfew when I arrived, but that experience was enough to convince me I would never cut it that close again.

Those boundaries were created for our safety and protection not simply for the sake of the ones setting the rules to control us.

The incident reminded me of God’s commandments.

God gave us laws to create an environment for a good life. He created commandments for us to benefit us. His rules in the Bible help us know healthy things to eat, how to handle disease and environmental issues and how to deal with relationships.

His goal was to protect us and those around us out of his love for us.

Just as our Florida lawmakers didn’t sit around trying to think up laws to frustrate us after the disaster, neither did God attempt to come up with rules to control us. Rather, they both show a concern for our well-being.

In the same way, we set boundaries in everyday life.

Whether the boundary consists of keeping a child safe from oncoming cars or keeping ourselves safe from unhealthy communication or actions in a relationship, protecting ourselves and our loved ones is a positive thing.

Consider the ten commandments in light of this idea: what if God gave them not to shame us, but to help us? Like a promise to us or a covenant is what he calls it. What if we read Exodus 20:1-17 like this:

Remember that I made you and I love you. I proved this by rescuing you from people who made you slaves and treated you badly. (Historically, God is talking about leading the Israelites out of Egypt, but he does the same for us. See Exodus chapters 1-19)

Because of this:

Turn to ME for help. No other god can do what I can do so it won’t help you to think there is one that can. (I Kings 18:21-39)
Don’t make a god out of something thinking it will do something for you. Things that come from the earth and sky are created by me; they have no power in themselves. They don’t love you jealously like I do, as a groom loves his bride. It will not do you any good to worship (spend your time with) these idols, and it will break my heart because I really love you. If you make idols (gods), it will show me that you hate me and will cause your life and your future children’s lives to get messed up. I only want good for you because I love you, so sometimes I may discipline you to help you make choices that will bring you good. I would love it if you loved me too. (Hebrews 12:5-6)
Be careful how you use my name. If you use it carelessly or as a word to swear with, you show your disrespect and disregard for me. Remember who I am. I am the Lord your God who loves you. (James 5:12)

Benefits for Us

If you are respectful to your parents, you will show that you respect me. I’ve given them to you for your good and if they do not always do right or even good things for you, they must answer to me. Your job is to honor them. If you do, things will go well for you. (Ephesians 6:1-3)
Rest on the seventh day after working hard the other six days. Your bodies and minds need rest and will work so much better if you let them have a break. You will be more creative and productive too! Plus, if you rest, it lets other people who serve you in various ways rest too. That seventh day should be great for you and me to spend together and begin your week well. It’s the same thing I did when I created the world so I know what I’m talking about. (Genesis 2:2)

Benefits for Others

Don’t plan on killing someone even in your mind. I made people and I love everyone. People are valuable so please don’t hurt them. (Psalm 139:13-16)
Recognize that marriage is a wonderful thing and should be honored and respected. Being faithful and loyal to the person someone is married to will bring them good if they honor their covenant even when it is hard. Respect the marriages of other people by encouraging them to be faithful to their spouse too. (Psalm 15:2-4)
Respect others’ belongings. Don’t take something that doesn’t belong to you. Ask before you use something and return it promptly and in good condition when you are done. (Ephesians 4:28)
Speak only the truth about others and situations they are involved in. Help others by being honest. (Ephesians 4:15)
Be grateful for and content with what you have. Don’t keep looking at someone else’s things or abilities and want them for yourself. (James 4:1-3)

Remember that I love you because I made you and you are special to me. If you love me, like I love you and love other people like you love me and yourself, you will be able to follow these guidelines. (Matthew 22:37-40)

But when you do mess up, Jesus has you covered. It’s all good.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned…” John 3:16-18a

Maybe it’s time to think differently about boundaries.

What is something intended to bring us good rather than harm that we’ve viewed as bad, restrictive or controlling? Are there boundaries you need to set in your life for the good of yourself or someone you love? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

In The Aftermath of Irma

September 25, 2017

It’s been two weeks since Irma ravaged the islands south of Florida and made landfall only miles south of where I live. When power came on for the first time a week ago, I felt as if I’d entered an episode of the Twilight Zone. The entryway light beckoned and a television voice spoke of a hurricane in the distance. Only the different name gave away the fact that days had passed.

It was as if time had stopped and started again with a normal week missing in between. Instead, we experienced a surreal week of survival that continues even now.

I emerged from the storm unscathed in body or material damage, but many were not so fortunate. For the first week since early Monday morning, my church deployed a first responder team. I had the privilege of helping organize teams to assist with physical needs, visiting shelters and helping with lunch service, delivering oxygen and fever medication, taking water to dozens of hot and thirsty folks and praying for and encouraging them with the love of Jesus.

This week, I rested. And cried.

Everywhere is evidence of what we’ve all suffered through no matter the extent of the damage. Some houses are still under water, many massive trees lie across yards and homes. While clean-up efforts have made good progress, debris litters most streets. Companies work round the clock to get electricity and water flowing. About half of the businesses in my town are functioning at some capacity. The other half need to relocate because of damage, or wait for power and internet to be restored.

While hope permeates and inspires, the reality of relief and recovery loom with a shocked sense of foreboding.

No one can deny the trauma we’ve experienced.

With another hurricane approaching in the distance, I confess the prospect is daunting at best. While I completely trust God and know he is in control, I wouldn’t be honest if I said I wasn’t emotionally affected by this past few weeks as well as whatever faces us in the days to come.

I’m not alone.

I’ve prayed with over a dozen people whose lives felt chaotic, confusing and hopeless. And I’m only one person. Our church has ministered to more than 10,000 people collectively and that doesn’t count all the other churches that have impacted our state.

And let’s not forget the people in Houston, areas of California that have dealt with flooding and fires, Mexico City, Montana, and Puerto Rico.

So how do we move our lives forward in the midst of such destruction and heartache? I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve had some great counsel. Here are 6 ways to move forward:

Cry. Yep. It’s a good thing to release the overwhelming emotions through tears. Grieving for the losses is healthy and helpful. In addition, pent up adrenaline causes anxiety. Tears may be your way of letting it go.
Rest. It may seem impossible when there is so much to be done, but taking a break by reading, watching a movie, or taking a nap will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
Take a walk. Exercise releases endorphins which create a sense of well-being. Exercise also relieves stores of adrenaline which helps return our bodies back to a balanced state.
Talk to someone. Relating your experiences to a trusted friend(s) helps us process what’s in our heart and mind. Sharing stories can help us sort through the negative and see positive in the midst.
Help someone else. When I’m listening to someone else and serving and praying for them, my mind focuses on them not my woes. But be wise about how much of others’ burdens you carry. A trusted friend reminded me that when I’m helping others, I’m also feeling their trauma as well as my own so I need to take time to rest in between.
Pray and praise. I could not have made it through this without constant communication with God, other people praying for me, and playing worship music as much as possible. In the depth of a disaster, we naturally feel afraid and need the reminder that God is with us, sees us and knows our needs. He will hold us and provide for us as we wait on him.

Our pastor, Matt Keller, talked about three phases in a crisis: rescue, relief and recovery.

Immediately after the hurricane, as we were able, we began rescuing people who were trapped in homes or had trees blocking their way or puncturing their roofs. While we can visibly see a physical need, we also need to be aware that our hearts need rescuing too.

And not only in a storm.

The Bible tells us that God is our rescuer from situations in which we have sinned or people have hurt us with their sin. He rescues us by Jesus’s death on the cross which relieves us of the sin in our lives when we accept his action on our behalf. He then can also rescue us from circumstances by showing us a way out.

After the first few days of rescuing people, we met their needs for relief. Many were without power and water so they were sweltering in our unusually high Florida heat. They needed water, food, ice and basic supplies.

God promises to provide for our needs. He sees us and makes a way for our every need to be met. He brings relief through practical ways, but also through prayer, friends and community.

And then comes recovery.

Each person and situation is different. For some of us, power is back on, we’ve been back to work, and our homes are clear of damage and/or debris. Many others are still waiting for help, power or work to start again. No matter what our position is, recovery takes time.

Recovery for our emotional state takes time as well.

After any trauma, whether it is one of the recent events our nation and neighbors have faced or a personal tragedy, we must allow for God to take us through the process of healing and recovery. We may need more than our trusted friend and community. Professional counsel can lead us through that journey as well.

I pray that whatever you are going through in your life, you will seek whatever help you need.

And let’s keep praying for everyone who’s suffering right now. God is with us. He loves us and loves when we talk to him on behalf of others.

I’d be happy to partner with you in prayer if you let me know in the comments below or email me at laura@laurabennet.com

Hurricanes (Hardly Ever) Happen

September 9, 2017

The region where I live is all aflutter.

Hurricane Irma has been assaulting innocent islands in the south and is headed our way. For the past five days, Southwest Florida has purchased more gas, water, batteries and boards (no, not surf or paddle) than probably have been sold in the past five years.

People are literally running for their lives.

I don’t blame them. I’ll confess it’s a frightening situation, this first hurricane of my life. I’ve heard plenty of horror stories of the ones that ripped us apart in the past, but to be here first hand, stocking up on canned foods and looking at empty shelves in grocery stores is a bit daunting.

Then there are the news reports.

Trees bent over in winds whipping San Juan. Cars crawling along like…well not like ants because ants move faster—more like snails taking naps. Buildings decimated with roofs scattered. The pictures say a thousand words and more.

But the tone of it all is fear.

And I hate fear. While healthy fear can be a good thing causing us to be diligent in preparation, fear can also cripple us into immobility. Or avoidance which keeps us from facing the storm until the very last devastating moment when disaster is upon us.

Fear grips us in ugly claws until our hearts pound in panic.

In the midst of this stormy circumstance, I think fighting fear may be a bigger issue than the pending potential destruction. The actual fight for our lives happens in our minds. And fear is like a monster demanding to be fed.

If we fuel it, it will grow.

I don’t know what will happen in the next few days. I’m sure numerous people will lose some if not all of their belongings. I grieve with Houston’s residents. Some may lose their lives or someone they love. I could be one of them.

But fear will not help me weather the storm well.

Preparation, peace and confidence in my God who created wind, rain and oceans will set me up to endure this storm. No matter what happens, He will be there with us to guide, protect and comfort us. He can turn any tragedy into something positive or helpful.

Already we’ve seen people reaching out in kindness.

Kindness is a characteristic of God. A man giving up a generator for a woman in need is laying down his life and looking to another person’s interests instead of his own. Another man volunteering his time to make sure people get water is giving of himself. We may think of those stories as sweet or nice, and they are, but really they are examples of God’s love.

I don’t know if those men know God personally.

But I do know that God is blessed when we exhibit his character. Serving, helping, giving all equal loving. God is love. And when we point to him as the source, he is pleased because he longs to see his love displayed to every single person.

Perhaps this post seems a bit random.

But as you read about kindness, did you forget I started with fear? Yeah, that’s what I though. When God’s love gets involved, fear gets pushed away. The Bible puts it this way,

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear… I John 4:18

If I know God loves me, then no matter what my situation, I don’t have to be afraid. He will bring the best for me even in the worst of circumstances. I know that’s easier to say than to experience all the time, but that has been my goal during this hurricane.

If it’s time to go, I will be with Jesus. If I get hurt, he will heal me at some point. If I am safe, I can help someone else. And in any case, I can trust him to hold me in the storm if I keep my eyes on him.