Summertime Storms: What Nature Teaches Us About Inner Strength
In light of the recent flash floods in Texas, New Mexico, and severe summer storms elsewhere, it's been hard to process the emotions stirred by such widespread devastation. Grief lingers in the air like thunderclouds, heavy and overwhelming. We brace for thunder. We wince at lightning. But even the fiercest storm cannot keep the sun from rising again—and neither can our hardest moments keep us from finding hope.
⛈️ Weathering the Storm Within: Understanding Emotions in Uncertain Times
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." -- Romans 8:18
Our emotional reactions are often stirred during trying times. Adults and children alike wrestle with how to manage what they feel—especially when storms, both literal and emotional, roll in without warning.
Children, in particular, may not know how to express themselves. Summer storms can serve as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil they feel inside. Thunder may mirror their anger, lightning their fear, and floods their grief.
That’s why it's vital to provide a safe space for children to process emotions—whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or friend. Letting them cry, shout, question, or even laugh helps build emotional maturity and fosters mental health toughness.
I remember a day from my own childhood, shortly after my daddy passed away in a farm accident. I was overwhelmed by anger and stormed out to the back porch. I went to slam my hand on the door handle—but missed, shattering the glass instead. I wasn’t hurt, but I felt broken inside. My mom came running, held me while I cried, and gave me the comfort I needed. She was my safe place.
Many years later, I had another moment like that. Life had thrown trial after trial, until one day, I just couldn’t hold it in. I walked outside and screamed into the open country air. I even yelled at God. It might sound dramatic, but it was necessary. That release—out in the open where God could meet me—was sacred. If you don’t have a safe place like that, I pray you find one. God can handle our rawest emotions.
🌱 Strength in the Soil: Building Emotional Resilience in Children
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
When kids go through hardship—whether it's the loss of a loved one, bullying, or major life changes—they begin learning how to deal with life’s storms. These trials help them develop emotional resilience, the ability to bounce back and grow stronger through trials.
Children facing challenges learn how to:
Identify and name their feelings
Ask for help when needed
Problem-solve and try again
Understand that struggles don't define them—they shape them
With loving guidance, they begin to see that their scars tell a story of strength, not failure. And when someone with a strong faith walks beside them, they start to understand that they are never alone.
I know this from experience. As a child of trauma, I’ve seen how grief can deepen a child’s compassion. It makes them tenderhearted toward others who are hurting. What a gift that is—to feel deeply and to offer comfort to others out of your own healing.
🌤️ The Sunshine After: Hope on the Other Side of Grief
Recently, I wrote a children’s book based on the loss of my daddy when I was just eight years old. It's called And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope. My prayer in writing it was to show kids that God brings the sun back, even after our darkest days. It will be available this fall.
Even when life feels shattered, the Lord gently reminds us—I’m still here. I’ve learned that surrendering control to God brings peace. We can't force the sun to shine again, but we can trust the One who holds the sky.
These past few years, I’ve waited for answers that haven’t come… yet. But I’ve learned to cling tightly to my relationship with Jesus, especially when doubts threaten to arise. The storms may not stop, but I know that God is already in tomorrow, waiting with peace, comfort, and yes—sunshine.
"He gives strength of the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -- Isaiah 40:29-31
✨ Final Thoughts: Let the Storms Teach Us
Whether you're parenting through trauma, guiding grandkids through grief, or navigating your own emotional hurricane—God is near. Storms will come. But so will the sun. And in the middle of it all, we find strength, healing, and hope. Please check out my "Seven Affirmations of Hope" as a FREE resource on my website--https://marygracejohnsonauthor.com.
Let’s keep pointing our kids—and our hearts—to the One who rejoices over us with singing.
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
