Finding Courage in the Rumble: When Thunder Brings Strength

Life inevitably brings moments that shake us. These are our personal thunderstorms, times of unexpected loss, profound disappointment, or deep fear. The skies of our certainty darken, the winds of change howl, and the rumbles of uncertainty feel overwhelming. In these moments, our instinct is often to retreat, to seek shelter, to wish the storm away as quickly as possible. Fear is a natural, primal response to the unknown and the threatening.

We teach children and often remind ourselves to be cautious of loud noises, sudden changes, and perceived danger. Thunder, in the natural world, perfectly embodies this. It arrives unannounced, loud, and can be deeply frightening. Its power feels immense and uncontrollable.

This instinctive reaction to something powerful and startling mirrors how we often respond to life's difficult emotional experiences, particularly grief. The pain feels too big, too loud, too much to bear. We want it to stop.

This instinct is why a line from Matt Cary's tender book, Thunder Clouds and Rainbows, strikes such a profound chord. Cary addresses the fear directly: "And when the thunder rolls, there's no reason, to be afraid. That's Grandma sending you courage, and strength, helping you feel, Indestructible." This simple statement offers a transformative shift.

It takes a universally recognized symbol of fear – thunder – and completely reframes its meaning. It suggests that what we perceive as a frightening disturbance might actually be something else entirely: a message of love and support from beyond our immediate sight.

This perspective is revolutionary, especially for a child navigating the confusing landscape of grief. Instead of the thunder representing only the scary emptiness left by loss, it becomes a sign of enduring connection.

The loud, jarring noise transforms into the voice of the loved one, actively reaching out. It's not a sound to hide from; it's a sound to lean into, a signal that strength is being sent precisely when it's needed most. The very thing that caused fear becomes the source of courage.

This reframing empowers both children and adults. It provides a tangible way to interpret the overwhelming waves of emotion that accompany grief. The intense sadness, the pangs of fear, the feeling of being utterly lost – these are the emotional "thunder."

Cary's metaphor encourages individuals not to dismiss or fight these feelings but to recognize them as potential evidence of love's persistence. It suggests that within the storm of grief, we are not abandoned. We are being fortified.

Finding strength in perceived fear changes the narrative of loss. It moves the experience from one of passive suffering to one where the griever can feel actively supported, even guided. It fosters resilience by teaching that courage isn't the absence of fear but the ability to find meaning and support within it.

When a child hears thunder and thinks, "That's Grandma sending me strength," they are no longer just a victim of the storm; they are a recipient of love. They feel seen and bolstered. This shift can lessen the feeling of helplessness that often accompanies deep grief.

The power lies in the reinterpretation. It allows us to look at the frightening aspects of our experience – the thunderclaps of sorrow – and see them not just as pain but as potential conduits for connection and fortitude. It teaches us that love can manifest in unexpected ways, even though the things that initially scare us the most.

By embracing this possibility, we open ourselves to finding profound strength precisely where we least expected it, transforming the rumble of fear into a foundation of courage.

For those seeking a compassionate perspective on grief and unexpected strength, Thunder Clouds and Rainbows by Matt Cary offers a profound lens. Discover its transformative message of enduring love and resilience.