Today is the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It's hard to imagine that it's been 16 years. I remember sitting in my apartment with my college roommates waking up to chaos in my house. We were glued to the tv. Classes were cancelled. People were trying to get in touch with loved ones. Phone lines were busy. There was a combined feeling of panic, fear, sadness, and disbelief. 

Today is almost Day 4 of Irma watch. As a New Orleans native, we have a love/hate relationship with water. We love its gifts ample fresh seafood, but hate its destructive power of hurricanes and floods.  It's easy to be reminded of Katrina or more recently Harvey. It's easy to let fear and anxiety set in. However, as a woman of faith, I am reminded that God has not given me a spirit of fear. I am reminded that even in the midst of a storm, with rain battering my window, God is still in control. My life and times are still in his hands, and I will remain in perfect peace. Peace doesn't mean nothing is going on. Peace doesn't mean that the storms of life won't rage around us. Peace is a choice. Peace is acknowledging that same God that allowed the storm to rage can cause it to be still. 

 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 (KJV)