I was in the middle of the storm, but God was with me every step of the way. I was traveling for a pickleball tournament in Fort Myers, Florida, just days before Hurricane Ian arrived. I didn't know what to do; I went through all the scenarios and possibilities and decided to shelter in place. In the middle of a category five hurricane, with 170-mile-per-hour winds, no power, losing cell phone service, and miles away from family, I sheltered in the bathroom to protect myself from what was happening beyond our doors. As I was preparing for the possible outcome of this natural disaster, I was advised to write my name and birthdate on my arm so I could be identified if it came to that point. In the middle of this storm, I decided to continue to trust in God and pray and believe He is bigger than this storm. God knows every trial we have and will face. God knew I would be in this situation one day. Thankfully, God had put me in the safest place I could've imagined in the middle of a category-five hurricane. I felt a sense of peace and reassurance that my God was there with me and was and always will be protecting me. I was helpless, and ALL I had to rely on was God. Even when life is terrifying and uncertain, we must trust in God!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9 

-Kamryn Blackwood