Tropical Storm Grace

When I first heard of Tropical Storm Grace, I was taken aback. What a horrible name, I thought. I could not conceive of calling something potentially so destructive Grace. Grace is so important to me, I often use a capital G.

But the more I thought about it, Grace does come in, often unannounced or as a surprise, and messes up everything. Just ask Inspector Javert in Les Miserables. It made me think of that old preacher's line, "I have come to comfort the afflicted, and to afflict the comfortable." Tropical Storm Grace could be that second part.

Jesus warned us he would be trouble.

Luke 12: 49-53

49 ‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52 From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53 they will be divided:

father against son
    and son against father,
mother against daughter
    and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
    and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.'

And trouble he still brings, to my complacency, to my status quo. Prayers for those affected by the literal storm, and God, afflict those of us who need to be affected by your Grace. Amen.