Well, it might initially seem odd that my first “official” blog is about this “lady”. However, in fact, this “lady” has a great deal to to with my life here in the Nashville area. And you’re asking, “So, who is this “lady” that you’re referring to and what did she try to take?” Well, her name is Katrina… Hurricane Katrina, to be exact.
For those who only know me as the Creative Director with Brentwood-Benson in Franklin, TN… My family once lived in Biloxi, MS where I commuted to Mobile, AL for 7 years as Creative Manager with Integrity Music’s worship resources division. Five years ago this weekend, my family and I received a most un-welcomed visit from this “Katrina”. She practically took everything we possessed, almost. What she couldn’t take was our unwavering faith in family, friends, colleagues – and most importantly – our faith in our Almighty Father!! Yes, we felt violated, but we were quickly given a boost in our spirits that could have only come from above. In recorded history, the neighborhood we lived in was not a flood zone; thus, none of us had flood insurance (sounds very familiar to a recent flood here in the Nashville area). However, with the grace of God, we were able to rebuild.
“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” ~~ Luke 12:24 NIV
We were about 3.5 months into the rebuild when I received a surprising call from Franklin, TN. Brentwood-Benson was offering me a position. This was something I had not anticipated, nor had I been praying for. However, God knows us better than we know ourselves!! See, without this “storm” that hit my family, home and church, I might not have been as mentally and spiritually prepared to even consider a move. Everything in my life was going wonderful, truly wonderful. But, once outside my comfort zone I was able to make some life changes that have been amazingly fruitful for me personally and career-wise. Was I enjoying what I was doing for Integrity Music? Of course. Did I love my church and leading worship there? Of course. Did I enjoy being close to extended family members and the surroundings that were so familiar and comfortable? Of course. But God… HE opened a door we didn’t see coming and the journey my family has been on these 4.5 years in Middle Tennessee has been absolutely amazing — sometimes it’s actually been unbelievable!!!
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” ~~ Philippians 4:19 NIV
I do not know what you’re going through today, or what you might have been going through the past few days, months or years, but there is a GREAT BIG GOD who is desirous to help you through it. He has promised to provide for our needs — not our petty wants, but our needs.
“He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.” ~~ Psalm 111:5 NIV
As much as this “Katrina” violated our lives, it’s fair for me to ponder what our life story would tell if she hadn’t bombarded her way in and if I would be where I am today doing what I do here in the Greater Nashville area. I’ve honorably and gladly found myself to be an encourager and teacher, so let me encourage you to keep your head up, focus on God, listen for His voice and heed it — you will not be sorry!!!
God’s “RAINBOW COVENANT” with us: Genesis 9:8-17 NIV
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”
To this day, a song that continues to bring tears to my eyes (for various reasons), is a song titled STILL. Check out this YouTube link:[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPtZRnQyzSM]
STILL
Words and Music by Reuben Morgan
Verse 1
Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand
Chorus 1
When 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
Verse 2
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust
CCLI Song No. 3940963
© 2002 Hillsong Publishing (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music)
Luke Gambill 
Luke, this is a great blog! I wish everyone could also look and find the good in life and all that it throws at you. Although I am still on the Coast, I know that God has a plan for me and as long as I keep my “eye single to the Glory of God” I know I will not be led astray. Thank you brother!