Our Storm Storyteller today has always had a gift for teaching, which she does now through her writing. We both started our blogs just about a year ago, and today I am fortunate enough to call her one of the best friends I’ve ever had. Stick around and you’ll certainly see why she’s so easy to love…
INVINCIBLE SUMMER
by Michelle
“In the midst of winter, I finally learned
there was in me an invincible summer.”
~Albert Camus
The officer called in the early evening. I was making dinner, wondering where the next step down this unexpectedly dark path would take us. When the phone rang, I panicked. Phat had just stepped out, leaving me to answer. I rushed to the office to have some privacy, hoping to spare the younger ones anymore distress and praying a quick prayer for help. Visibly shaking, I answered the phone.
We were to turn our son in the next morning. If not, they would arrest him at school. This way we could avoid any added humiliation.
I assured the officer we would have him there on time.
I felt I was going to crumble. Right there. In the office. It was time to fall apart.
But instead, something deep inside steadied, enabling me to think.
Immediately I phoned our lawyer. No. There was nothing she could do. We were to turn him in. Be sure and be respectful and explain to the officer our son would not be speaking without his lawyer. That was all.
Earlier that week she had told us we needed to get ourselves ready for the hardest journey of our lives. Now, she told us, the path we thought we were headed down had drastically changed.
“The path you thought you were on has ended.”
So this was the next step.
I’ve learned it’s best to take life one day at a time. Sometimes we do well to keep going hour by hour. Other times, all we can do is live in the moment, calling out to our God, the One who sees the next step clearly.
The soul searching had been done. The repentance had come quickly. The forgiveness was graciously bestowed. Now we must live with the consequences and we had no illusions it would be easy.
An unexpected winter had stormed into our hopeful spring, leaving us desperate for covering. The darkness made it difficult to see each step along the path. But we were not defeated. We had one another and we knew our God was able to do exceedingly, abudantly beyond anything we could ever ask or think.
We held on tight.
And we’re still holding on.
You are right nor she is easy to love. Her beauty as a child of God is infectious.
Michelle your perseverince in times of struggle and storm is wonderful to behold. So much you can draw on to teach others.
Peace and love sis.
A most amazing story, Michelle.
And those last two lines–
–sum up Storm Stories perfectly.
Faith, Hope, & Love be with you.
Thank you, Carl. Your words of encouragement have been a blessing to me.
It’s really all I know to do, Nor. The storm still rages and will for a very long time. But we do know the One who will carry us through.
Thank you for your gracious words. You’ve been a faithful friend throughout.
Love you, BOTH!
Wow. What a story. And so amazingly written. Love you Michelle!!
Thank you Michelle! i know this wasn’t easy for you, and I believe God is smiling on you. Keep holding on girl, and when you get tired and think you can’t hold on,…I will pray harder, and be the one that holds up your arms. Love you so much!
Michelle, thank you for sharing a piece of your story. In ongoing storms like this, thankfully we do have Jesus to hang on to. I cannot imagine life without Him.
I love you, sweet friend.
Thank you ALL!! I really appreciate the support. It’s been a huge struggle for us, and will be for many years to come. But it’s amazing to find people who really do know what it means to “bear one another’s burdens.”
Thanks!
michelle, your heart is so precious. i am holding it gently…
Thank you, Alece. I have felt your gentleness.
It’s amazing how at the moments we feel weakest, most vulnerable, stumbling… are the times that just by standing up we are proving He has made us stronger than we knew.
He holds you up beautifully friend, and your willingness to be Held is inspiring.
Michelle that was/is beautiful I am so grateful to have met you.
G
“The path you thought you were on has ended.”
That statements speaks volumes to me. I too have had a path end. Thank you for your transparency.
Thank you, ladies.
Your encouraging words buoy me.
You are so brave
and I respect and admire you so much 
I know your journey has not been an easy one but praise be to God who carried you through it with strength and peace. Your story is a testimony. And I believe that what the enemy intended for bad, God turned around for your good. What an awesome God we serve! And how blessed am I to call you my Sister which btw happened at the exact time you were going through this. That’s how we met. Amazing what God can do in and through these situations. I love you sis!
Hey, Gch!! Thank you for all the support you’ve given throughout the months. I have leaned on you quite a lot and you’ve been consistently available. Our God is good to allow us to be there for one another. Love you, too, sweetie!