As I write this, I hear the steady beat of rain outside.
I know this sound well.
I've walked through the rain for almost six years because of a personal storm. All through that time, God promised me His umbrella. And He has been faithful to give it.
My circumstances haven't changed yet but I have. And suddenly, this season has too.
God has been whispering to my heart about what comes after the rain. I hadn't even thought about it, really. But it's good, girl, so good.
Rain leads to life, new growth, flowers, beauty.
"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." Song of Solomon 2:11-13
I'm living these words. Living the dreams blossoming. Living the hope turned to beauty. Rediscovering the joy.
There is life after the rain.
I promise.
So if you're in the middle of the storm, please know I've been there.
I know the hurt, the frustration, the pain.
I also know what comes beyond the rain.
And (I never thought I'd say these words) it's worth it.
Hang in there, girl. No matter how it seems now…God will see you through.
And we'll walk through the rain with you too.
by Holley Gerth, Heart to Heart with Holley
Leave a Comment
Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms says
You are joy, Ms. Holley, and you radiate His love!
Thanking God for your gift of saturating us gals with hope and encouragement!
Eunice says
Thank you once again, my friend, for such a timely, encouraging post.
Hope I will get to thank you personally one day.
Hugs,
Eunice
Becky says
Dear Holley,
Thank you so much for this encouragement.
“Rain leads to life, new growth, flowers, beauty.” — I love that … and Him and you! And, yes, I believe it’ll be worth it.
Love and blessings,
becky
Lisa H. says
Thank You Holley! I am and have been in the midst of a few storms it seems over and over again the past few years. I am still waiting for them to pass. I am changing inside and my outside circumstances are changing as well. I am moving through to the other side, to a side of healing. I cant lie and say I am enjoying it, I dont. I am struggling to get through it everyday, but God knows the plans for me, I keep holding onto that. He has given me very special Godly women who are helping me look for Him in all of this. They give me love and support where I thought there was none. I love Him for it and I thank Him for these times, because without them I would not have searched him out! He sends me glimpses of rainbows everynow and then when I need them the most and that gives me strength to keep the course. One day I will see the most magnificent complete rainbow after the storms have passes!
Lisa
Jane Corbin says
Thank you for your faithfulness in using your God given gift of encouragement.
I can testify to new life after the storm.
I am 2 years cancer free after coming through Surgery, chemo & radiation; at 61 I felt my life was over but I just came home from a mission trip to Poland (ME) !!!!
And I feel like my youth has been renewed like the eagles!!! My back & heals have also been heeled & I am rejoicing in the goodness of our God.I’m looking forward to my next mission trip…not sure where yet; but,life is not over…It’s only just begun!!!!!
Jane
Joanne Sher says
Oh honey. YES! I’ve so been in the storms, and AM seeing the growth. Powerful reminder
pamela says
Holly, there is not one of us who is not going through the rain, its how we handle it. his beautful umbrela, has saved me so many times. storms still come, my health is so bad, but i know i have a father, and big umbrella waiting fo me, if i let him in. thanks again for the just on time words. your talking to me today, i feel it. blessings
Barbara B says
I have been going through quite a storm for the last few months (and as most of us have had my share throughout my life)From past experiece I know that rainbows come after the rain. I’m still waiting for this one.
I shared something last Sunday asking for prayer about a financial problem (only a part of the storm) and when I received an encouragement from you Holley it was one of at least five ways the Lord’s umbrella was up!! Thanks for your honesty and your heart for His hurting people.
Adoption Mama says
The last year has been a steady downpour, but you are so right. There is so much growth during these times….my mom’s death and my oldest son’s temporary departure. (see blog)
God cares more about our growth than fixing our problems.
Rachel says
Thank you, Holly!! I really needed this reminder today!
Fiona's Mosaic says
What a precious thought……that umbrella. I have thought of his hands, etc…but not an umbrella. I really appreciate the visual because it means he walks beside us.
And having come out on the other side I will definitely say it is worth it. I could not be the compassionate leader I am called to be now, if I had not gone through what I went through.
God bless, Fiona
nina says
Clouds…storms…no sun in the forecast. Yet the ‘Son’ is always present. I am trying hard to bask in the present promise of the rainbow, and forget about a future pot of gold. Things on the outside might not ever change. I need to deal with that, and work on the inner attitudes. Daily struggle. Thanks Holley for your honest helpful words to us all.
Renee Holmes says
I also thought about the rainbow. Also of the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. In your prayers, ask Him to come and hold you, ask Him to help you feel His love. Ask Him how he sees and feels about you! When you do, you will be amazed!! I was!! This year Jesus has become more real to me — starting with these questions.
Thank you Jesus,
Renee
Stacy Pike says
Thank you Holley! My storm has been over 8 years and I find myself in the same place as you. My circumstances haven’t changed, but my God has changed me. I am able to live with a renewed joy that only comes from my Savior. I’m praying for you!
Laura says
What a wonderful, uplifting message! Thank you, Holly.
Debbie says
Thank you for sharing His umbrella with us! It helps sooo much! love, deb
nancy says
I’ve been through many, many storms, and know first hand that God has always been with me! And, yes, I’ve learned much and grown in Him… I’ll remember the picture of an umbrella–God’s protection covers me at all times!
Melinda says
Once again thanking God for the gift of you. I watched NOOMA Rain on Youtube. Beautiful if you are in the storm. I love the scripture you included. Beauteeful as you.
Thanks.
linda says
How perfectly this illustrates the sermon I just heard in church this evening Holley. In essence, we are comforted so that we might comfort others.
You do that so faithfully. I haven’t told you often enough what a beautiful encourager you are. Thank you so much.
Michelle says
Thank-you for this! Thank-You, God, for bringing me here to read this today!
My current storm’s not been as long as your’s but it’s getting up there. However, I do sense that an end is coming to it. Still, for the first few years of this whole experience, I handled this so poorly, I’m ashamed to say. I carried on like a spoiled brat, which is what I was being, to be honest. Then God really got my attention, & now I live with the peace that passes all understanding.
The way that God’s moving things in my life right now is amazing! He’s opening doors & giving me leads for new job opportunities, which is what I need, & He’s doing so much to encourage me & to speak to me in a fresh way these days. I’m so thankful for the storm I’ve been through, as well as past storms. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am right now, & I certainly wouldn’t have grown in the same way.
Thank-you again for this post – it speaks right to where I am at this time. 🙂
LM says
Thanks, Holley.
patti says
Spoke to me too. We just entered a storm 2 days ago with DS18 and the pain and fear are immense at this point. Almost paralyzing. I keep looking for the rainbow.
Tiffany Day says
Thank you Holley – this is such a good reminder. My rain is still falling heavy and hard to see around but I do KNOW that God is faithful, her is on our side and I remain steadfast in my walk with Him through my storm. I am looking for the sun and the rainbow, however He chooses to bring it!
Love and blessings to you,
xoTiffany
Tiffany Day says
oops I meant He not her!
xoTiffany
Holley Gerth says
Thanks so much for your encouragement, lovely ladies! And I’m praying for those of you still in a storm today…XOXO
HONEY says
Holley,
It is hard to see through a blinding rain. But I am standing strong, weathering the forces and moving through. Somedays, I am standing in the puddle. Other days, I am dancing in the rain. Today, I am covered by His brilliant umbrella of love and grace and waiting….for the storm to pass, the rainbow to appear and the pot of gold to be at the end. I am sure with every fiber of my being that I will come through this storm and be a better person and will grow only to be a blessing to others, as you have been to all of us who follow your postings with renewed strength. Praise God from whom all blessings flow….
Valarie says
Thank you, I seem to be in my rainy season right now. However I am assured by so many that life will be worth it all this pain. I keep looking for my rainbow!
Thank you!
Val
Bonnie Gray | FaithBarista says
Thank you, Holley, for letting us know you were in it and now, there is life after such a season. I smell flowers… 🙂 A big field of them, after so much rain… ah-choo!
Crystal Theresa @ Blessed to Be Broken says
thank you for such a beautiful message and reminder. the scripture you shared was actually one of the readings at my wedding, and, since losing our babies, it’s been so hard to imagine life having the same sweetness that the verse holds. i’m so glad you have found peace and joy. i’m not quite there, yet, but i’m sure with His grace, I will. ((hugs))
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Holley, thanks for telling us about you were in it , i like smell flowers especially after rain
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it’s very good. thank you! it’s so helpful for me.