To say the least, the picture in the paper was ironic. There stood a man almost knee deep in water. In the background you could almost see the water pouring out from the windows and doors of his house. There were pieces of debris tossed across the yard and what wasn't tossed was piled against the house. The irony found in the picture was the expression on the man's face and the posture of his body. Into the scene of mayhem and destruction came the image of a man with arms raised, smiling broadly, and celebrating.

He is a survivor. His sense of humor has survived. His joy for life has survived. His appreciation for all things that make life, real life has survived. Respectively, hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and now Jeanne have been able to destroy much of what many people have worked long to enjoy. What they have not been able to destroy is the spirit of people like this unnamed man who face adversity and broken dreams without giving in or up.

Recalling the church history classes that we studied in seminary, I remember trying to consider the circumstances endured by the first century church. As Christianity expanded, people were brought into conflict with family members, friends, neighbors, and governments. Often they were imprisoned or publicly beaten and humiliated. Sometimes they were asked to choose between family and faith. Between loyalty to nation and loyalty to God. Some were killed.

The birth and the nurture and the growth of the church has as part of its foundation the keystones of adversity and broken dreams. Life did not always unfold according to plan. Acceptance of new forms of worship and new attitudes about inclusion were ridiculed. Even so, the church and the church's people persevered. Flourished, even. Because growing deep in their collective communities was the understanding that at work in them was a strange, wonderful power. A power that was helping them see through, go through whatever they encountered. At work in then was God. God through Christ and in the power of the Spirit was enabling. Leading. Gathering. Calling. Doing. It's a great story. Their story. Our story.

We're not that far from the coast. Still, we can't imagine the scars of bearing through four hurricanes in one year. Surely, people question whether or not to quit. To pack up. To move. Leave. And then, this picture of a man in joyous celebration against the backdrop of his battered home. It's hard to figure. Thank God for the blessing of human spirit and the gift of Divine Spirit. Together they make possible strange and wonderful music. Let us not be afraid to join in the dance. What God has planned for us, perhaps, we have not even imagined.

Grace and peace

Mark A. Davenport