February Chaplain's Reflection Published Jan. 30, 2014 By Lt. Col. Brian Bohlman 169th Fighter Wing, Chaplain MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. -- "Rising Above the Storm" "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) I recently traveled by plane during a heavy rainstorm. As the plane took off from the Columbia airport, we quickly passed through the rain, wind and dark clouds and rose above the storm. After a few minutes, as the plane leveled off at its cruising altitude, I looked out my window at the storm below. Once above the storm, everything outside my window looked completely calm and the sun shone brightly. It was somewhat hard to imagine that a storm raged just below on the ground. This reality made me think about the many storms we can and will encounter in life back on the ground below. As calm as things now seemed above the storm, I knew that our plane would be landing soon in Atlanta and we would have to again pass through the regional storm below. As the plane started its initial descent from the calm scenery above the storm, we were met by some heavy turbulence. The pilot made an announcement to remind everyone to return to their seats and to fasten their seatbelts for the remainder of the flight. For about the next 15 minutes, the pilot skillfully guided the plane through the storm and landed safely on the ground. As the plane taxied to the gate at the terminal, I could see that the storm clouds were starting to back apart and the sun was trying to peek through in the distance. As I reflect back on this flight, I want to share the following points about faith and the storms of life: 1. Storms happen and you are probably going through one now or just went through one recently. 2. It is possible to rise above the storm by looking for the good in a bad situation. 3. When you rise above your storm you will find peace and new strength for your journey. 4. Like a skillful pilot, faith can help guide you through a storm by keeping you grounded. 5. God can and will use your past storms in life to help comfort others going through their storm. Remember that you are never alone in your storm--unless you choose to be. Your SCANG Chaplain Corps is here to walk with you and help guide you through any storm you may encounter. My prayer for each of you is that you will find the faith to rise above any storm you are in or will find yourself in one day.