I dreamed about rainbows last night. No, I didn’t dream about leprechauns and pots of gold, although when I was a child that would have been front and center in my thoughts. My sisters and our friends and I used to hunt (and hunt hard!) for the end of that rainbow.

When I fell asleep last night, rainbows and God’s covenant not to destroy the earth with floodwaters again were fresh in my mind. This is probably because it’s been raining here in Florida =a lot= and last night was no exception to the “it’s raining” rule. Lately, when I’ve seen sunshine, even if it’s only for a few moments, I take time to send a prayer of gratitude.

This morning, I thought more about the arc and Noah. Here are Biblical verses relating to the rainbow:

“I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. And whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of every kind that is on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between Me and every creature on the earth.” ~ Genesis 9:15-17

And later, we learn that the rainbow symbolizes Jesus’s throne:

“Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.” ~ Ezekiel 1:27-28

How does a rainbow form? I found the answer on SciJinks.gov (US.gov):

“A rainbow is caused by sunlight and atmospheric conditions. Light enters a water droplet, slowing down and bending as it goes from air to denser water. The light reflects off the inside of the droplet, separating into its component wavelengths–or colors. When light exits the droplet, it makes a rainbow.”

It seems that many of God’s miracles relate to light, and apparently the rainbow is another one.

I wondered about myths and legends relating to rainbows since I assumed that every group or religion would have their own stories about the rainbow. Boy, was I right. There are probably books about the subject. What I found interesting, though, is the dichotomy between Christianity’s beliefs and those of other religions.

I learned that many legends exist about the rainbow being a bow (as in bow and arrow) and some Biblical translations state “bow” instead of “rainbow.” Often the rainbow is linked with military, war and battle. How could it be more opposite to the peace offered by our Heavenly Father? In some locations, children are forbidden to even look at or point at a rainbow because it is considered demonic (the devil is vexed in one legend).

Despite these many myths, I don’t know anyone who isn’t pleased or excited whenever they see a rainbow. We can’t help but interpret it as a special blessing.

I love Maya Angelou’s quote, “Be Someone’s Rainbow Today!” I’m going to look for ways to brighten others’ lives today, even if it’s only to offer a big smile a stranger’s way.

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We are so excited!

Have you heard about our new Book Club? Click this link to learn more! We will have monthly chats on Zoom to discuss the month’s featured book, and most of the time you will meet the book’s author! There’s no homework required, so please come join us!