Upon establishing residence in my current environment, I initiated the endeavor of memorizing the Psalms. As I immersed myself in the text with steadfast commitment, I was profoundly moved by the authentic emotive expression of the Psalmist. This remarkable anthology of Psalms distinguished itself from the various texts of the New Testament that I had previously memorized. It heralded the onset of a gradual transformation in my cognitive framework, prompting me to examine my social interactions and relationships through the interpretative lens of these sacred verses. The Psalmist undoubtedly presented an intellectual challenge, urging me to transcend personal biases and specific contexts, thus redirecting my instinctual responses towards God as articulated in the Psalms. Consequently, I began to understand that the value of my esteemed family was not contingent upon societal status, but rather on our capacity to imperfectly recognize and exercise our individual gifts. Through this organic process of acquiring a unique linguistic framework, I diligently nurtured this intricate relationship, consciously delineating it from the influence of my prominent family background.

I committed to the daily memorization of two poetic verses, frequently gravitating towards Psalm 29, which evocatively illustrates the ferocity of a storm and its effects on the natural world. As I endeavored to memorize the entire text, I envisioned the profound experience of contemplating the Psalm amidst the tumult of a hurricane. Over several years, I consistently recited the Psalm, fostering a profound connection to its themes and drawing inspiration from my personal reflections. This practice not only enriched my creativity and cognitive sharpness but also transcended the boundaries of mere discipline.

I possess a vivid and cherished memory of an event that transpired in 1992, during a notably active hurricane season. My practice of personal meditation significantly influenced my individual experience during this time. Although I consistently recognized the sovereignty of a higher power over the civilized world, independent nations, and the capriciousness of the weather, it had not occurred to me that I would personally encounter such remarkable phenomena, reminiscent of the recent developments in my dynamic life. Unbeknownst to me, I was on the verge of embarking on a journey that would undoubtedly impart a crucial lesson, among the many invaluable insights that awaited me in the promising future.