Just. Be. Still. *repeat*

I was woken up two nights by a deafening clap of thunder. It wasn't just your typical BOOM thunder. It was the BOOM-BOOM-oh-gash-run-for-your-lives type of thunder. Felt like someone was very angry Upstairs. Scared the daylights out of me. I lay there in bed with two pillows covering my face. I hate thunder and lightning combos.

But I managed to fall asleep again.

I woke up again at 8 in the morning. The sound of heavy rain still was the music outside. Last night was already a tragedy: we had an instant swimming pool outside the house. I already planned not to go back early to UPLB due to the rain but I was definitely not expecting the news on TV.

Apparently, due to the non-stop heavy rain fall, NCR and other Luzon provinces became water worlds overnight. 

Even the South Luzon Expressway became an extension of Splash Island. Have a look:

Devastating sight :( Southwoods-SLEX

I heard that as of 10 am, people who went ahead to travel got stranded for 5 hours and from the looks of it, they're still stranded. UP people, I mean those who study with me in LB, as much as possible and as hard as it sounds, stay at home. This is what's waiting for you and if you don't want it to greet you in the face, I suggest you chill at home and do some work.

Despite the chilly weather, this is scary. 

Stay safe at home with your families, people! Don't gamble your life. And continue praying for those who are in need, specially now. I've been watching the news since 8 and the images we get are heartbreaking. Stranded families, commuters hopelessly waiting for transportation to get home, destroyed bridges, etc. 

Thankful that my family and I (even my beagle!) are dry but I pray for those who are wet with the rain and hungry. 

I commend the government for the fast information of suspension. At least, students were able to avoid these challenges. However, let's continue praying for those who are outside facing the rains. No one is waterproof. It's during times like this that we have to stay strong for one another, keep on praying and release the Filipino Bayanihan Spirit.

I watched TV today and my heart broke when I saw the hopelessness on faces of men, women, children and old alike. Their tears streaming and in sync with the falling droplets of rain. Situations like this make us doubt the presence of God. 

Is He there?

Of course He is.

Despite the bad weather, the heartbreaking happenings, we should look at this event as, not a tragedy, but an opportunity to rise up to the challenge, to mold ourselves and to strengthen our FAITH in Him. Rather than panic and lose hope, we should BE STILL and know that He remains in control. 

Before I end, I want to ask everyone to please continue praying. Also, if we have extra things like the usual (food, clothes, blanket), give them out to those in need. In CCF Alabang, there's a donation drive. Feel free to join that if you're within the Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Paranaque area. Give love to others!

Stay safe everyone! Don't challenge the weather! You wouldn't want to take an unexpected ride down the waterworld!

As the oceans rise and thunders roar,

I will soar with You above the storm

Father, You are King over the flood

I will be STILL and know You are God

(Still, Hillsong United)

A <3