By Ralphine Major

As I recall, it was one of the largest snows of the season in 1986, and it came on a Friday.  The date was February 14.  Focus readers may remember that many people were caught off guard by the beautiful white flakes that began falling around mid-morning and seemed to intensify by the minute.   Schools and businesses started closing, but some did not close in time.  Many students had to spend the night in school gymnasiums.  Motorists were stranded for hours on their way home from work.

In recent years, February’s weather has changed somewhat.  Last year, historic flooding overwhelmed our area in February.  This year brought similar circumstances with heavy rains and more flooding.  Whether rain or snow, the weather can be deadly and destructive.

Flooding in our homes and on neighborhood streets always brings to mind the Bible story of Noah and the Ark and God’s promise.  In the wake of such catastrophic weather, the verse found in Genesis 9:11 (NKJV) came to mind once again.  “Thus, I establish My covenant with you:  Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”