GOODBYE WEEK- Dancing in the Rain

I have danced in the rain more times this semester than I have in my whole life. 

Georgia’s weather is very different from Texas’. It is gentle, soft, and sneaks up on you. Rain sweeps in with little-to-no ceremony, then slowly you realize it’s pouring outside. In Texas the storms come in a rage, destroying everything in their path for 20 minutes, and then they’re gone. 

I’ll never forget the first time I ran out into the rain here in Georgia. There was no thunder, just pure rain, and I knew I was meant to be a part of it. Water is cleansing for me. It’s become a reminder of the Lord’s presence. It reminds me of the day I heard the Lord’s voice for the first time.

I was nineteen years old, angry, bitter, disengaged. I questioned everything, and hated most things. The world was against me, or so I thought. College theatre and my theatre friends were my only companions- but they were empty. After show parties reeked of despair, pain, and a powerlessness to change. I hoped I would find meaning and value in myself and this world through theatre, but I was sadly disappointed. One day, I came home from college and complained to my sister about everything in my life. She looked at me with a puzzled, and concerned look, “Marianna,” she said “why are you so angry?” I shrugged my shoulders and huffed away, feeling hurt that she didn’t acknowledge my heartaches. But then sadness swept over me like a flood. Why was I so angry? Oh, God, who have I become? I don’t want to be angry like this all the time! Oh Jesus, what do I do? I felt flushed and uncomfortable so, to shake off the feeling of discomfort and guilt, I took a shower. I stepped in the water and immediately broke down sobbing. What a miserable life this was! I opened my hands and watched the water wash over them. In that moment I heard Jesus say,

 “My daughter, I love you. You are beautiful to me. I have washed you clean.” 

What a powerful moment for me! My life was indeed changed after that day. I reached out to an old friend to learn how to read the Bible and found so much more depth and heart in His written words. I read through John, Daniel, Matthew, Mark, and more recently, the Psalms. Even though I had grown up in the church, I hardly took the time to read the Bible. I’d read verses here and there, and I had my life verse memorized, but I had no idea what beauty and promises were in the pages of God’s Word. 

So when the weather was warm enough and a rainstorm came I had a feeling that I had to be a part of it. Dancing in the grass, splashing in the puddles, I looked up into the sky and felt peace. I knew the Lord was with me, and He was reminding me of His goodness and how I’ve been washed clean. Jesus reminded me I am alive, that He has so much more for me. I am seen, and loved, and precious to Him. The rain is a sign of love, and a call to remembrance. Almost every time it rains now I run out into it to be refreshed and washed clean. I run into it to be reminded of his promises to me. In the rain I am content, I have enough, and I can see clearly. It is a beautiful metaphor for me. 

What is your rain? What signs or words has the Lord given you that remind you of His love and faithfulness? Remembrance is so important. It’s not in the Bible 233 times for nothing! God knows how forgetful we are. 

Remember to dance in the rain. Let the Lord be near to you. Let His love free you. 

Love y’all so much!! 

Before the rain:

Shallow

Shallow is my heart
Hungry with desire
Almost reaching fullness,
Left with lust and loss.
On my way to the grave-
Waiting for Papa’s pure rain 

After the rain:

Joy

Just one small spark
Out of endless dark
Yellow sun now is my heart

 

P.S. I only have a few days of CGA left!! I need y’all’s help to be fully funded by the end of the week! I only have $1,450 left to raise! If you feel led to support me, go to the orange “Donate!” button at the top of the screen! Other ways you can support me are by sharing this blog with your friends and family, leaving an encouraging comment, and praying for me! Also, remember to subscribe so you don’t miss a blog this week! I am posting everyday in a grand finale that I am calling “Goodbye Week.” I’m sharing all that I have even up to, and all that I’ve learned here in my time in Georgia! Thank you again for all your support, I cannot do it without you.

“He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
– Hosea 6:3