How To Survive Overwhelming Changes: Quotes That Give Hope And Answers For Life’s Storms
Posted: Monday, July 12, 2010
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
I am excited that I get to speak at a Church and feel both humble and honored. Even though I am an introvert, I have no fear of speaking in public. I am feeling so confident that I dont even make notes. I have decided to speak on the " changes " in life, since everyone experiences changes and it seems I have had so very many lately.
I am on my way to the church and I think of one of my favorite quotes:
You tell them that our lives can change with every breath we take... and tell em to hold on like hell to what theyve got: each other. (From Where the Heart Is, 2000 - Novalee Nation – played by Natalie Portman)
I feel good about that quote. Even though I am speaking in a church, I dont want to appear too judgmental or preachy because I know that will turn everyone off. I want to immediately get their attention. I feel confident, almost smug because of one quotation that I love. ( Can I say it like Natalie Portman – slow and dramatic?)
Before I know it, I have arrived at the church. I panic. My watch must have stopped. I am 15 minutes late. What can I do? What will they think of me? My confidence flies away and I am suddenly facing a congregation that has been waiting for 15 minutes on me. I now realize that I will appear arrogant and maybe I have been arrogant and smug and God is making me realize that.
" Hi Everyone. First, I would like to deeply apologize for being late for something I have been looking forward to doing – talking with all of you. I am so sorry. "
All the time I am apologizing, I hear murmurings between congregation members. They are not even looking at me. It is as if I am invisible. Do they know something that I do not know? Can they even see me?
I think maybe if I just begin my talk, they will look at me and listen. I really wanted to convey my thoughts about " changes in life. " Maybe I can help them to not be so overwhelmed, as I have been in the past.
I began to speak. They still do not look at me. I feel like I am on The Twilight Zone.
Suddenly, water enters from the side of the building in a big swoosh. It is almost like a mini-flash flood. Everyone is calm but me. They are all chitchatting among themselves. I want to fulfill my obligation as a speaker, so I continue to talk about change. I try to comfort the congregation about holding on to faith during life changes and that it will all be OK.
Just then, a huge wave comes through the side of the building, even though the wall is still intact. It almost knocks me down, but I hold on to the podium. I decide it is futile to try and speak due to everything that is happening. Still, no one has even looked at me. Still, they are murmuring and talking among themselves. There are small children and babies in the congregation. Parents do not seem the least bit concerned. Dont they know these waves could knock the child down and he could drown? What is wrong with these people? Dont they know any signs of danger at all?
Now, I cant believe my eyes. A humongous wave begins its swell after going through the wall that is still intact. It is one thing to ride the waves at the beach, but this one is so huge, it is more like a tsunami. I remember reading that one cannot outrun a tsunami, so I try to ride the huge wave, but its power knocked me down. I am underwater but feel no discomfort. After a couple of minutes, the wave and even the water have completely disappeared. I am concerned about the babies and children, but they are playing and laughing. These tsunami-like waves appear again and again. Again and again, everyone, including the babies and children are all fine.
It is at that moment that I realize the congregation (through God) is trying to teach me how to deal with change, even though I was the one who wanted to make the speech about change. (They were not the least bit afraid of the waves; it was as if danger did not exist, as they continued to talk and enjoy each others company.)
They already knew: He who attempts to resist the wave is swept away, but he who bends before it abides (author unknown).
I was kind of getting used to the waves, even though I didnt understand what was happening. Every wave got bigger. I was getting tired. I kept hearing the waves. They were louder and louder….then finally, I heard voices.
The golfer (Jim) was watching Good Morning America as they discussed tidal waves, storms and predicted hurricanes. I crept in the kitchen to make coffee after a sleepy " good morning " to Jim.
I sipped my coffee and tried to make more sense of the dream. I have been thinking lately about doing some volunteer work or trying to help someone in need. It seems that my life is so good; I need to think about others, instead of living just for myself. I guess that is what God was trying to tell me because I found this quote:
Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience, which is going on around me. - Albert Schweitzer
I think God speaks through dreams. The Bible speaks about the waves and seas:
Theres a wideness in Gods mercy like the wideness of the sea. - Frederick William Faber
I survived the storms of life through a dream. The best part is that God was/is with me, no matter how big or long the storms go on:
He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. Job 9:8
I should have known. He was right there beside me.
****Note: This is just my interpretation of this dream. I would like to hear your take on this. Tell me what you think.
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More commentsWell our Greg is the expert, but I think I'd have to agree with your interpretation. It was an interesting dream and you told it well!
Fran, responded the other day, but don't see my comments here. Just wanted to say that your article is very insightful and thought-provoking. I thought of the waves as the mysterious, uncontrollablel (by us) events and circumstance of our lives as God wants them to unfold for us. Maybe we should relax and live now and leave the rest up to Him.
This really was a very different article for you. I agree with the people who say your dream is probably about your fears. One of the best ways for me to get a handle on my fears is to write them down, discuss them with someone and then turn them over to God. Most of the time that frees me from them. I have to return my thoughts to serving God and remembering that he is the healer, not me, and it is at that point that God becomes greater and I become the least. The battering winds and water are the best way to tame our egos. He shows you he is still there when the winds stop blowing.You are blessed with the gift of teaching and healing and God will always be with you and I think he is also trying to show you that in your dream.Sincerely,Linda D
Very thought-provoking article, Fran.I like how the progression of the story took me -- this is a very interesting style of writing. Well done and I enjoyed it very much. All the best to you and Jim. ~~Nenita
Hi Fran. I'm not in any way able to analyze or conclude anything about dreams. Your dream prompted much thought in me about meaning and issues. I see it as an underlying fear of significant magnitude and you are struggling to come to grips (esp. since you are speaking and no one seems to be hearing you). Anyway, you wrote in your eloquent manner and I read with interest. I am glad you shared with us and I already know that my thoughts will come back to this frequently until I come to some final considerations about it.
fran- very fine!i think i should ponder this theme for a long while. i liked the flit'n around and digressions in the story flow. it gave a premonition to the ending-nice-bing
Hi Fran.Dreams do have a funny way of sometimes trying to convey messages,dreams are mostly whats gone on in the day i believe,but i had a rather terrifying dream that kept re-occurring a few years ago.In the dream a faceless person warns me that my time is up, a few months afterwards i fell off a ladder and shattered my ankle,doctors said it could of been a lot worse,the strange thing is i have not had that dream again creepy!
Great story.Always need to remember when things are going too good, that life can take you down like a large wave rushing over you.Pat
Dear Fran, what a powerful article. Life is so short that we should enjoy every moment with our spouse, family and friends. You are a wonderful writer. Barbie from the Highlands
Great interpretation of this dream. I do believe you have to bend with the waves but also the waves make you a better swimmer!!
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