Shelter in a Storm

by Lillian Daniel | published on Apr 6, 2026

Discussion Questions 

  1. Read Romans 15:2-13. Then read the devotional below, “Shelter in a Storm.”   
  1. When has a stranger helped you during a (meteorological or metaphorical) storm? 
  1. What supplies do you gather and donate for people experiencing their own set of storms   
  1. In Romans 15, Paul writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope.” What is hopeful about the act of welcoming a stranger? 

Devotional 

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. – Romans 15:7 (NRSV)  

Late one night in my travels, as storms and lightning canceled all flights and the airport food court started shutting down, I looked at the massive lines of people in front of me looking for a new flight or a hotel room, and I felt a lump in my throat knowing that those of us at the back would probably be unsuccessful. So I asked my UCC church family if anyone knew anyone in Houston, Texas—with the added request that no one respond with emojis, prayers or sympathy; I was tired and lonely and wanted direct leads only.  

Believe it or not, within ten minutes, a colleague who used to live in Texas had called on a friend to help a friend, and an hour later, two strangers picked me up at the busy airport, took me to their house, tucked me into their guest room before midnight. My luggage was stuck who knows where, so they gave me one of the many toothbrushes they were already collecting to send to Back Bay Mission through their church. These people were already preparing for guests, just not in their own house, but all those toothbrushes told me they cared.  

The next morning, they took me to their church where we shared the experience of hearing a strong sermon, moving music in a minor key, the sweetness of cookies, and the beautiful bitterness of a cup of coffee on that dreaded Time Change Sunday—but I had already received the gospel of the good Samaritan when two strangers picked me up in the rain.  

Good to meet you, First Congregational of Houston, and if you ever get stuck in Michigan, we’ve got you. In a world of suffering, the good news is worth sharing.  

Prayer
Thank you God for the kindness of strangers and for the friends who call their friends to help a friend in a storm. Amen.

Lillian Daniel About the Author
Lillian Daniel serves as Michigan Conference Minister, UCC. Her newest book, Defrocked: Good News from a Bad Pastor for a Better Church, is now available at bookstores.