*Image courtesy off www.cnn.com
Hurricane Dorian touched down on the Great Abaco Island of Bahamas, Sunday September 1st, possibly forever changing the lives of it’s 50,000 residents. The Category 5 hurricane produced wind gusts that exceeded 200 mph and forced a massive amount of water inland. Videos circulated all across social media providing live footage of waves crashing against the second-story windows of people’s homes. There were even shark sightings in the flood waters! The Great Abaco Island and it’s people were pounded by the most powerful storm to enter the region since 1935!
Sometimes in education, or simply life, we feel like the people of Abaco. Massive storms block our path and it seems as if success and achieving our goals is impossible. These storms almost attract other storms in the form of cancer, financial hardship, divorce, overbearing administration/staff, or unruly students. How do we handle these phenomena?
Hurricane Dorian remained almost stationary, reeking havoc, until slowly crawling towards South Florida. Just like the people of Bahamas, we too encounter storms in life that have the ability to render us helpless and fall into despair. One thing is certain, if you live certain conditions, you are bound to encounter a storm. The question is, will you survive? Meteorologists have identified locations and the time-frames that are ideal for Hurricanes, along with other natural disasters. A storm can be produced at any time, but there are times when they are most likely to occur. Hurricane experts always recommend preparing early for the storms and offer survival tips for approaching danger.
Some people prepare prior to hurricane season by stocking up on batteries, non-perishable foods, water, gas, plywood... If the situation looks bleak, they evacuate to a location out of the storms path. Others gather their supplies, and hunker down in their homes. A small population waits until the last minute, falling victim to sparse supplies, price gouging, and sheer luck! One thing is certain...even if your life can be compared to a beautiful tropical island, a storm will someday come. Preparation for the storms of life is key for survival. Also, as massive as a storm may appear, at some point it will lose its muster and be overcome. Having a strong & healthy mindset is also imperative. It will determine whether we allow our storms to destroy us, or clear a new path to a brighter future.
-The Jeremy Anderson Group
Our thoughts, love, and prayers go out to the individuals that loss their lives on the Great Abaco Island of Bahamas and the Southeastern states of the US.