Isaac’s Message
August 26th, 2012
As I write this post, the predictors are that Hurricane Isaac, now barreling across the state of Florida toward the Gulf Coast, could result in catastrophic damage to Louisiana equal to that of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Not just in the same location but on the anniversary of the Katrina disaster. Let’s pray otherwise. Since I’m a proponent of the theory that there are no accidents and everything happens for a reason, and since I’ve mentioned prayer, let’s see if there’s any ancient wisdom to be gleaned from the name of this Hurricane.
Isaac was the son of Abraham, the first Patriarch and progenitor of all three major religions. Abraham was told by God to bind Isaac to a rock (Mt. Moriah) and there offer him a sacrifice to God. Although Abraham was distraught at the instruction, it was Abraham’s unwavering faith and trust in God that caused him to come within seconds of slaughtering his own son. But it took more than Abraham’s faith. It took Isaac’s as well. Isaac was 37 years old at the time.
We all know the outcome. At the last moment, God directs Abraham to cease and desist and Isaac goes on to become the second Patriarch of the Jewish People.  So what’s the message Isaac brings?
Our safety, our very survival, is dependent upon our unwavering faith and trust in a benevolent, if not always understood, Creator.  It’s this unwavering faith that is often tested and, when found to be heartfelt, as often rewarded with the protection and well-being promised.
We are going through some rough times and each of us is being tested. There must have been a lesson to be learned from the Katrina disaster that we somehow missed. Perhaps it is about subjugating our Will. Perhaps it is another attempt by Creator to awaken us in time to the compassion we lack and the priorities we have confused. Perhaps it is to remember that as Abraham and Isaac…we are not separate but in this together.
Regardless of our age or our inclination to doubt, let’s follow the example of Isaac and surrender to the Will of Creator by having trust that there is meaning in the chaos and faith that there will be goodness in the outcome.
In the meantime, pray for those in the path of this Isaac.
Posted in
Isaac is a tropical storm, not a hurricane. In its lifespan, it has never been a hurricane, though it looks like it will be upgraded soon. This storm is NOT Katrina. Though it’s likely there will be significant damage in low lying areas, really, the only thing Isaac has in common with Katrina is its timing, but I wouldn’t get too caught up in the message of that because statistically, tropical cyclones in the Gulf are most common between late August and September. Basic weather patterns. It’s been going on for centuries. As you appear to lecture frequently, I would suggest you employ some basic research tools and fact checking, before preaching your word. Credibility should not be under-rated, at a time like this.
I appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers, and would like to add that my safety and survival is also highly dependent on logic, rationalism, good decision-making and thorough preparation. I can have as much faith in God as I want, but He ain’t gonna buy me no batteries.
Thank you.
–Sally, New Orleans