Seeing the Beauty of Rainbows
‘The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.’
– Dolly Parton (1946 – Present). Parton is a renowned American singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, widely recognised for her extensive career in country music.
Rainbows, those magnificent arcs of colours painted across the sky after a rain shower, have long been symbols of hope, promise, and renewal.
As the sunlight breaks through the raindrops, refracting and reflecting to create a stunning display of hues, we are reminded of the beauty that can emerge from life’s storms.
In many cultures, rainbows are seen as a sign of divine presence and blessings, carrying with them a sense of awe and wonder.
Proverbially, rainbows have been associated with positivity and optimism. The saying, “After the rain, comes the rainbow” encapsulates the idea that even after the darkest and most challenging times, there is always a glimmer of light and hope on the horizon.
I have a special definition for rainbow. Let me share and delve deeper into the acronym RAINBOW and unravel how each letter provide me… and why not, us… with a guiding principle during life’s trials and tribulations:
R – Resilience: Like the rainbow that appears amidst the storm, resilience allows us to bounce back and endure difficulties with strength and fortitude.
A – Adaptability: Just as the colours of the rainbow seamlessly blend into a harmonious spectrum, adaptability enables us to adjust and thrive in ever-changing circumstances.
I – Innovation: The vibrant hues of the rainbow remind us of the beauty that can emerge from creativity and innovation, showing us new possibilities even during challenges.
N – Nurturing: Like the gentle rain that nurtures the earth, taking care of ourselves and others during turbulent times fosters growth and healing.
B – Belief: Believing in ourselves and a higher power sustains us through the storms, guiding us towards brighter days ahead.
O – Optimism: The promise of a rainbow after the storm signifies hope and optimism, encouraging us to look beyond our current struggles towards a brighter future.
W – Wisdom: Just as each colour of the rainbow contributes to its beauty, wisdom gained through experience and reflection helps us navigate through life’s storms with clarity and understanding.
Rainbows have played a significant role in my life, often appearing during moments of importance.
Reflecting on the challenging and haunting extortion incident I faced in 2022, the sight of a rainbow felt like a divine embrace from God, illuminating my path with hope and positivity.
This experience sparked my devotion and strengthened my faith in God, leading me to delve into the deeper symbolism of rainbows and their seven meanings.
Each colour now holds a special significance in my journey — representing courage, strength, hope, growth, peace, intuition, and spirituality.
The rainbow’s presence has become a guiding light, enriching my understanding of life’s complexities and offering solace during challenging times.
To me:
Red symbolizes passion, energy, and courage, encouraging us to face challenges with determination and strength.
Orange represents creativity, joy, and enthusiasm, reminding us to approach life’s storms with a positive attitude and an open mind.
Yellow signifies happiness, optimism, and enlightenment, guiding us to seek sunshine amidst the clouds and find joy in small moments.
Green embodies growth, balance, and harmony, urging us to find equilibrium in the midst of chaos and nourish our inner peace.
Blue signifies serenity, stability, and trust, encouraging us to stay calm and centred in the face of adversity.
Indigo represents intuition, wisdom, and introspection, prompting us to listen to our inner voice and seek clarity in turbulent times.
Violet embodies spirituality, transformation, and inspiration, reminding us of the divine guidance and higher purpose that can be found amidst life’s storms.
As we reflect on the rainbow’s colours and their meanings, we are reminded of the righteousness of God that calls us to hold onto hope and faith, even in the midst of thunderstorms.
Just as the rainbow appears after the rain, symbolizing God’s promise and covenant with humanity, we are called to remain steadfast in our beliefs and convictions.
Dear readers, in life, challenges are inevitable. None of us can escape trials and obstacles, for they are the building blocks of our world.
Our earthly existence serves as a training ground for our spiritual growth before we bid farewell. The depth of our wisdom is determined by our willingness to engage in this muscle-building journey.
In times of turmoil and uncertainty, when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us, remember the rainbow as a beacon of light and a symbol of God’s faithfulness.
Do not stray from the path of righteousness, for it is in holding onto our faith and trust in God that we will ultimately see the light of the rainbow at the end of the storm.
Just as the rainbow arcs across the sky, bridging heaven and earth, may it also serve as a reminder that beauty can emerge from life’s darkest moments, and that hope always shines through.
As life is truly a precious gift from God, let us remember to rise and “look up”.
Open your arms widely and embrace the beauty of rainbows as a metaphor for resilience, hope, and faith in the face of life’s storms.
The form of God’s presence in our lives may vary, but what truly matters is our response to His providence.
Just as the colours of the rainbow blend harmoniously to create a breath-taking spectacle, may we too find strength in unity, diversity, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
Embrace your challenges as opportunities for growth, and may you find the courage and faith to face each trial with resilience.
For me, rainbows serve as a comforting embrace during the arduous journey of life’s trials. Despite the tough training, I find solace in knowing that God empowers my pursuit, enabling me to remain steadfast.
Just as I have found my rainbow, I believe each of you will discover your own source of strength—a book, a bird, or any symbol that resonates with your spirit.
Hold on to the light of your rainbow, and let it guide you through the darkest of storms of life towards a brighter tomorrow.
In the darkest of storms, “Seeing the Beauty of Rainbows” invites us to seek light and colour amidst adversity. Just as rainbows emerge after rain, beauty and hope can be found in life’s challenges.
Join me next week on the 3rd of July 2024, in exploring “The Rhythm of Life: Finding Harmony in Daily Routine,” where we will uncover the beauty of everyday moments.
To my dear readers, it has been a journey of growth for me in the past 24 weeks of sharing my thoughts through my weekly “life senses” column.
Your unwavering support and encouragement fuel my passion for writing. Thank you for being the source of courage that propels me forward on this journey of sharing life’s reflections.
I extend heartfelt gratitude to all of you; your unwavering support and encouragement serve as pillars of strength, inspiring me to continue sharing. Your presence is like the RAINBOW, that fuels my journey, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
