By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew
I love water. Strangely enough, I cannot swim. As much as I love being near water and the sound it produces, I have grown to have a healthy respect for what water can do.
After a trip to New Orleans in 2016, my daughter, mom and I were driving back to my mother’s neighborhood in North Louisiana. We could not enter the neighborhood because of the flooding and had to take an alternate route.
As we went in another direction, the home on the corner was a beautiful two-story house that I always admired. That beautiful yellow home was now underwater with only the roof showing.
I had never seen that type of damage in person, and it was not only shocking but terrifying. As we pulled up into the driveway of my mother’s home, the water slowly began creeping up to her house. We moved quickly, unplugging items, and packing a few items to leave.
In the moment, we did not have much time to think and plan. We just wanted to get to safety. In those moments, you realize what is important and it is not the stuff. You realize how important life is and that whatever we go through, we need to know that God is with us.
We were blessed that there were no lives lost and mom’s house did not suffer much damage. My heart ached for those in her community who lost everything. It is in those moments that you realize that life brings challenges to all. It does not matter if you are a good or bad person.
Life happens. “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45) It is painful to go through experiences that take your breath away—not because they are positive—because they are difficult and heartbreaking.
As a society, we have spent so much time pushing people to be strong that we do not give people the space to experience the grief and pain that are a part of life as much as good and happiness are. Tears are natural and temporary, but joy does come. “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” (Psalm 126:5)
Tears are normal and necessary. I must remind myself in this season that God is with me. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:2-3a)
Water is obviously important in the Bible:
- It is in Genesis as the world was being formed. (Genesis 1:2)
- Noah and the Flood (Genesis 6-9)
- The dividing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
- The Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17)
- Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-11)
- Jesus’ walking on the water. (Matthew 14:22-33)
As I spend this weekend on the beach reflecting, I see the power of God through the water. I see what water represents—provision, salvation, and faith. Just as water is important for us as humans to live, to release our pain, water is also important in our spiritual lives.
Jesus tells the woman at the well that He has something for her that is eternal– “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)
Go through it and know that God is with you—now and forever. He will never leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6-8) even when it seems as if you are being drowned by the onslaught of the issues life brings, He has got you and will see you through.
Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the host of the Tapestry Podcast and the author of three books for women. She is also the Vice President of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas. To learn more, visit drfroswa.com.
