Sky gazing has always fascinated me. As a kid, I'd sometimes just sit outside and imagine different shapes within the clouds. My favorite clouds were the large puff balls that our science teacher told us were cumulus clouds. They usually accompanied bright, sunny days without a hint of rain.
Rain storm clouds were another entity altogether and I was drawn to them for different reasons. For one thing, the air smelled different.
Rain clouds had a way of changing the atmosphere; darkening the sky and pushing the sun's brilliance out of sight. Rain clouds sometimes formed a grayish sea of density which made it seem as though the sun might never shine again. They also emitted bolts of lightening and thunder which were scary.
Sometimes, the rain would pour down for hours and other times, it would release it's moisture through a gentle drizzle. As I grew older, I learned to look at the sky to determine which kind of downpour might be on the horizon. Dark clouds usually indicated an intense encounter with a storm.
Which brings me to my thoughts about what is happening in our financial markets right now. I'm hard pressed to remember a time which was fraught by as much angst and naked fear as that which appears to be unfolding on Wall Street and financial markets across the world right now. I watched a news piece on CNN today and as they began to tally the totals for recent bailouts, I was stunned to see how enormous the numbers were. There is scant good news in the forecast right now.
But, in my line of work, I'm usually closer to an alternative form of the storm. I'm referring to the financial crisis which is impacting America's homeowners today. During the past two years, we've witnessed the storm clouds up close and personal as individuals and families have faced incredible financial strain and many across West Michigan and the nation have lost their homes. The devastation on a personal level is rarely chronicled during the evening news, but for those of us in the trenches, it's a reality in which we are managing and assisting through the aftermath on a daily basis.
Yet, in the midst of every storm there is a message. Storm clouds deliver much needed moisture to nurture and replenish the earth. They renew life with their torrential drenching.
And... renewal always follows the drenching, although the soaking is not always pleasant or congenial. And that's why I love Rainbows. Rainbows carry a message as they emerge out of the clouds, often after a dark storm. Have you ever wondered what the colors of a rainbow might mean? I came across this article by Khasmira Ladd in which she shared some fascinating insights into the meaning of rainbow colors:
Violet...a combination of Red & Blue symbolizes love for humanity and a high level of spirituality
Indigo...symbolizes infinity, wisdom and self-mastery
Blue...is known as the color of divinity
Green...symbolizes harmony, growth, balance and good health
Yellow...the color of the sun's brilliance, symbolizes energy
Orange...is about equilibrium within creative energy and wisdom
Red...is the color of enthusiasm and success.
Spend some time reflecting on this message. It puts the promise of God to Noah after the flood in a different perspective when you recognize that God chose the colors of the first rainbow as a sign that would reach through the ages and continue to bring hope and comfort to human kind.
In closing, I'd like to share a new video musical release with you. The video below is by a musician named Phil Aud. Almost a decade ago, he came to the church we were attending to be the music pastor. Phil is a gifted songwriter as well. He recently released an album called Come May and this song is one of the selections. I wanted to share Phil Aud's music with you because I've enjoyed listening to his compositions. I think you will too. They carry a message which rings clear and true. Be Encouraged.
Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
rainbow picture courtesty of linh.ngân on flickr.com
Comments(16)