Storms to Rainbows
Every time I see a rainbow my mind starts to sing these words from a song I first heard as a teenager at an old-time camp meeting:
You only see a rainbow,
When the storm is o’er
God’s promise that we question
Is standing sure…
And I’m reminded.
I’m reminded that God is unchanging, that God is in control, that God is faithful, that God sees the storm, that God brings me through the storm…all the things that are at the root of God’s covenant with mankind – established through Noah. The rainbow speaks to me about the character of God.
I’m reminded that Noah was asked to do something that made no sense. He was asked to build a large boat – the ark, when there wasn’t any rain. He was asked to build something that would float on top of the water, when there wasn’t a lake. He was asked to take care of all of the different species of animals when he didn’t even own a dog. I don’t know if that is true but it sure feels like it. I can only imagine Noah saying “you want me to do what?” It’s like asking a kid from Vegas to describe a squirrel. They have no idea because we don’t have squirrels in the desert. You would have more success asking them to describe a rat. They know what that is. The rainbow reminds me that God knows, even when I don’t.
I’m reminded that there is hope in the midst of darkness, beauty in the midst of destruction, and a “coming out the other side” in the midst of pain. Noah experienced it all as he walked in obedience to what God asked him to do. He was isolated, in lock down, mocked, felt the pain of humiliation and rejection, dismayed, confused, all the feels that you and I so often have. And God was there, providing hope, restoration, a new day…doing what only God can do. The rainbow reminds me that God is in control, always, of my today and of my tomorrow.
God made promises to Noah that are promises for you and me today. Promises that He wouldn’t destroy the earth in this way again, promises that He would always be with Him, promises that life continues. We can cling to those promises today too. God is who God says He is. He is a God of promise. A God of new life. A God of hope. A God of the future. The rainbow reminds me that the storm is not bigger than God. The storm does not thwart the plans of God. The storm does not remove the presence of God. The rainbow reminds me that God will do what He says He will do. He did it for Noah. He will do it for me. He will do it for you.
I’m reminded that I am not in my current situation alone. I may be in the middle of a storm, but I am not alone, and neither are you. We go through some pretty heavy, pretty dark stuff in this life, but we do not go through it alone. I see the rainbow and I’m reminded that God, the God of covenant, sees me and is walking through this with me. The rainbow reminds me that God is present. He has not removed Himself or turned His back on me in my situation but He is covering me with His presence…I’m under the arch of the rainbow. I’m reminded that His promises are for me. For you.
The covenant between God and Noah, the sign of the rainbow reminds me that God is a God of hope, a God of promise, a God of presence and that His grace is sufficient for me, even in my storms. The rainbow reminds me to not forget to look for the rainbow in my storm! To focus on God, not the storm because He is there, covering me with His covenant. And He is there, covering you!
Robin Smith has a passion for equipping people to see their strengths and to lead with their unique God given gifts. Robin has always had a strong tie to her church, community, and work. That tie is in the form of relationships. Her greatest joy is to do life together, encouraging, strengthening, and challenging each other to be their very best and reach their full potential.
Robin has been the Executive Director for Refuge for Women Las Vegas since April 2019. In this role she leads the organization in vision casting, community support and engagement, board management and all operations for the two RFW Las Vegas homes. Prior to this role she served as the Program Director of the Refuge for Women Program House. She has overseen all the operations of our program/recovery house and spent her days inside the home building relationships with the residents and helping them not only see their potential but overcome the obstacles standing in the way of them reaching their potential.
For 15 years, prior to coming to Refuge for Women, Robin worked in higher education, focusing on developing student leaders and equipping students with the skills they need to be successful in the pursuit of their education and careers. Prior to that, Robin was a Salvation Army officer and served in full time ministry in various locations throughout the Midwest. Robin’s focus was always serving, equipping and developing others.
In 2006, the Lord began to work in Robin’s heart and plant a love for women who are trapped in the sex-industry. This passion was formed through Robin’s involvement with student mission trips to Las Vegas. In 2010, Robin began the Hearts for Jackson ministry in Jackson, Michigan reaching out to women who work in strip clubs. Robin’s heart was broken for these women, and she started this ministry to bring them hope and love with a goal of showing the love of Jesus in a practical way. Each month, Robin led a group of women from her church into the strip clubs where they simply loved on the women. They brought them gifts, told them they were special & loved and offered a listening ear. Robin brings her heart and passion to Refuge for Women and to the Las Vegas community and is excited to be leading the organization as the Executive Director where she will be partnering with the local churches, Las Vegas Businesses, Las Vegas community members, and most importantly, Jesus, in this crucial ministry.
Robin and her husband Homer have been married for 35 years and currently reside in Henderson, NV. They attend the ChurchLV and they enjoy God’s creation by hiking, walking, or simply enjoying the sun with a good book. They have two children and one grandchild. Robin holds a master’s degree in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development, also from Spring Arbor University.