Hurricane Frances, 2004, provided Steve’s and my first experience with that level of storm, even though we’d lived in Florida nearly thirty years. For twelve hours we listened to the roar of the wind and the banging of storm shutters, because Frances did not whoosh through the state, she shuffled.
(Note the eye. That’s just slightly north of where we lived.)
Challenges continued after the storm, with a steam bath of heat and humidity compounded by the absence of electrical power for five or six days.
Even so, we celebrated:
- Minimal damage–a mangled pool enclosure, many missing shingles, and a debris-filled yard. That was it.
- A neighbor who shared his generator power with us, preserving the food in our refrigerator.
- Time to rest after the ordeal of preparation; time to read and just be together.
The most memorable moment, perhaps, was the night we lathered up with Off, stood in the backyard, and stared into the cloudless heavens. (Plodding Frances had made a clean sweep of the sky on her way through.)
With the power out all along the coast of South Florida, more stars were visible than I thought possible to see without a telescope. Thousands upon thousands pierced every square inch of sky. Even one arm of the Milky Way spiral was discernible to the west.
Such an image is a worthy accompaniment to Philippians 2:15, where Paul urges us to be blameless and pure in a crooked and perverted generation, “among whom you shine like stars in the world” (emphasis added).
Paul surely had plenty of opportunity during his travels to contemplate the night skies. His view of the stars would always have been unencumbered by manmade light. And with all the ancients, he would have known that stars always shine brightest on the darkest nights.
So perhaps one inference we can make from Paul’s shine-like-stars encouragement: The brighter we shimmer with love, joy, and a positive outlook, the more we’ll stand out from those who focus on self, criticism, and negativity.
My thoughts turn toward those of you reading this right now who face dark circumstances in your lives. Every day you endure physical and/or emotional pain, yet you glow! You’re lit up by the Spirit within! And you scatter beams of grace to everyone around you–your family and friends, coworkers and neighbors. We bask in the light of your example and praise God for you.
Another inference we might make from Philippians 2:15: If only one pin-point star gleamed in the sky, we’d hardly notice. It’s the sheer number of stars that grabs our attention.
I wonder if Paul wanted us to contemplate the power of numbers. By the time he wrote to the Philippians, Christian churches had been established throughout much of the Roman empire. Today, thirty-seven million Christian churches spread across the globe*, and 2.3 billion people identify themselves as Christians**. That’s nearly one-third of all people on Planet Earth.
God has invited us to be part of a cosmos of believers—as grand as the night sky and awe-inspiring as the stars.
Just as the stars cannot be destroyed, nothing can destroy his church. Members may be persecuted, oppressed, and even murdered for their faith, but the church will not be extinguished (Matthew 16:18).
For 2000 years, kings, emperors, and dictators have tried. No one has succeeded. There are more believers in Jesus than ever.
True, people may scoff at or even refuse to listen to our words. But a shining example of star quality is difficult to refute—especially against a dark sky.
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord God, on any given day I fail to shine like the star you’ve created me to be. I want my words and actions to manifest YOU, to be a glimmer of hope, encouragement, and joy to others. Just as the stars continually gleam in the heavens, I pray for consistency in my life—consistency to rely upon you, my Source of delightful Light.
* http://www.christianpost.org
Photo credits: www.wikimedia.com; http://www.Forestwander.com on wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.jpl.nasa.gov; http://www.goodfreephotos.com; http://www.dailybiblememe.com; http://www.flickr.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, what a powerful testimony. There’s nothing like a black sky and no city light to provide such a starry view. ( hope you don’t have to go thru another tornado to have the opportunity one more time…)
Thank you, Jody. Appreciate your hope that we don’t have to face a tornado. Three hurricanes were enough! (Two weeks after Frances, Jeanne came through; the next year, Hurricane Wilma.)
I can’t resist saying that this was a ‘brilliant’ post (pun intended). I found this so very edifying, especially the section that reads “The brighter we shimmer with love, joy, and a positive outlook, the more we’ll stand out from those who focus on self, criticism, and negativity.” I cannot do this on my own, but with the Holy Spirit within me I endeavor to “scatter beams of grace” in spite of my shortcomings. (So sorry that you had to go through that hurricane. In 2005 we had an ice storm that left us without power for five days!)
Thank you, Cheri. You are so right: we cannot shine like stars on our own. We need the Holy Spirit. As for your ice storm: How did you keep warm?! I think being without power in the cold would be worse than our power outages in the heat and humidity of Florida.
Nancy, I had a generator for the sump pump. And Mom, Dad, and I had convection kerosene heaters that we used for heating and cooking. We were one of the last to have our power restored. Next time, I’m finding a motel! I think it started on January 5, 2005, and it was a challenge to keep warm, believe me. And I caught a cold!
Yes–find a motel! (And I’m going to remember that advice should we face the same circumstances some day!)
As always, beautiful thoughts and words, Nancy.
Thank you, Grace, for being such a loyal reader and for your gracious comments!
I love the image of being a “cosmos of believers” – that together, as we bear the light of Christ, we make a brilliant display for His glory. As always, thanks for an encouraging and uplifting post!
Thank you, Russell. It IS an amazing privilege that “we make a brilliant display for His glory,” comparable to the stars, as we bear the Light of Christ!
beautiful. my hubby and I want to camp in one of the ‘dark” spots this summer. We’ve talked about it the last few summers but finally this year, penciled in three possible dates, depending on the clearness of the night sky. will let you know if we get this done this year. I will think of you and this post that night
You are in for an ethereal experience, Jean!
Hi Nancy,
Amen. Dark times reveal our need for the Lord more so he can reach more people in the dark.
In Christ,
Gary
Amen to your comment too, Gary!