That person is like a tree planted by a stream of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither -
whatever they do prospers.
Our house is nestled deep in the forest. We are surrounded on all sides by oaks, hickories, pines, tulip poplars, basswoods, maples, birch, and sweet gums. What a cool, shady canopy these provide in the hot months of summer!
From time to time, people will ask, "Aren't you afraid of one of those trees falling and hitting your house when there's a bad storm."
My answer? Not in the least!
Because, not only do the roots of these giants run deep, but they also run together. Intertwine in one sprawling, underground web. Lending a strength and stability to hold them securely even in the worst of winds.
Winds against which a stand-alone tree hasn't a chance . . .
In her sermon several weeks ago, Pastor Emily speaks of those persons who long to sink their roots deeply into the church. To link up with the strong roots of others for support and affirmation and spiritual guidance.
But, they suffer from the stand-alone tree syndrome.
Their problems are too big. Their hurts, too painful.
No one, they think, can possibly understand. Can help them heal. Can listen in love.
And, they withhold their thirsty roots from the stream.
But, Emily invites them to join the forest. Assures them that there is no situation or circumstance or hurt or loss that somebody, somewhere in the congregation, hasn't experienced.
They are not alone in their troubles.
So many roots ready and willing and able to wrap themselves around their fragile ones. To listen. Sympathize. Encourage. Lift up in prayer.
To love them just as they are, where they are.
Seeing them through the storm.
And, prospering them in their walk with the Lord.
~
When the storms of life come, do you have a "root system" you can depend on?
Will you join me in prayer?
You did not create us, Father, to live in isolation, but to rejoice in the fellowship of others traveling life's journey with us. May Your love, comfort, and understanding show through us as we reach out to another or ask someone for help. Let us be so rooted in Your Living Water that we can shine the light of hope into the lives of the hurting. Amen.
Your post makes me reflect on my support system, Martha...
ReplyDeleteI do have supportive offline friends but most of them are doctors, so I feel like I couldn't bother them much about my concerns. So most of my support system at the moment are fellow bloggers like you. It's amazing how much you, guys, helped me get through some trials in my life. I can truly feel our roots intertwined even if we're miles apart. God is really good. :-)
God bless you, Martha <3 :-)
Thanks so much for visiting, Irene!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you have found such a supportive root system in your fellow bloggers. It is miraculous that we have found one another and are able to offer encouragement and inspiration to each other when most needed.
And, yes, God is good all the time!
Blessings to you!
Fortunately or unfortunately for me I have never had a strong support system in terms of close friends. But through blogging I have managed to find some wonderful people like you who have taught me some very important lessons of life!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Me!
DeleteI'm glad that blogging has brought many meaningful friendships into your life and I'm honored to be counted as one of them. We certainly can be a supportive group and that is wonderful to have.
Blessings to you!
Family is ever close and woven through my fabric. The women in my family (generous back) are the foundation of the families, and a tradition I have carried on without realizing it. The tree's root system is the perfect metaphor.. it's vast and strong.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Brenda!
DeleteYes, a strong family can provide such a tremendous support system. Glad you are firmly rooted in yours!
Blessings to you!
It must be nice to be surrounded by nature. I do have a support system that is quite understanding of my dual nature. I thank God they are there when I need them and respectful of my need for space when I need that.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by, Adriene!
DeleteSo glad to know you have supportive people in your life who know and understand you so deeply and with love. Who could ask for anything more? :)
Blessings to you!
A great analogy, Martha. Yes, what would we be without a support system of family and friends. I'm always grateful for mine. ♥
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by, Corinne!
DeleteI'm with you - I don't know where I'd be without my wonderful family and friends. They are, indeed, my support system!
Blessings to you!
what a beautiful post Martha!! I loved how you compared the whole community to a forest. I love how you said that a person alone although very strong, can't do much as we all need each others for support. Thank you Martha <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Nikky, and so glad you enjoyed the post.
DeleteYes, we can go along on our own for awhile, but there will always come those times when we need others to support us or we will be called to support others.
Blessings to you!
My roots lie deep down in the Lord and literally, in my family. Outside it and in a wider range, I believe in the church. It's a church with wounded people and we're united in one Spirit.
ReplyDeleteI was reflecting this in time for our feast tomorrow~ Corpus Christi. Yes, I do believe we are One.
I pray with you dear friend~ may we be rooted deeply in Christ.
Great, as always, to see you here, Melissa!
DeleteOh, yes, the church is full of wounded hearts, is it not? And, that's precisely why we need it, each other, and the love of the Lord.
Thanks so much for sharing in prayer with me!
Blessings to you!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThey suffer from the stand-alone tree syndrome.
ReplyDeleteIt's unfortunate that these people don't see how connected everyone is, how connected everything is. No one is EVER really alone, if you have a connection to source
Thanks for coming by today, Chris!
DeleteYou and I certainly see eye-to-eye on the concept that everything and everyone are connected. Yes, it is such a shame when someone fails to recognize this and embrace it.
Blessings to you!
a beautiful post! I believe we are all connected too..that is why our good deeds carry so much more wt than we realize and make the whole world a better place!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting today, AnnMarie!
DeleteOh, I love your observation here that the good things we do for others reverberate in this world and make it a better place. Wow! So true!
Blessings to you!
Hi Martha, it is so important to have a support system. Sometimes we just need to reach out and we will be surprised to see the response :) Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteNelieta, thank you so much for visiting!
DeleteYes, support systems are crucial. I agree with you - when we reach out, many times we are overwhelmed with the support we find there. We should always be ready, too, to be that friend in need for others.
Blessings to you!
You brought back a memory for me when you mentioned tulip poplars. I used to have one, where I once lived. Straight beautiful phenomenon of a tree, roots reaching deep down, as our roots need to be in Christ, and reaching up so high, heavenward, at the same time, as our hearts do best to do---and flowering so lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture in itself, that. Then God supplies the body through us and us through other members of the body, His church, wheresoever. Like "Me" above I have found such support network with fellow Christ-loving bloggers. Joyful surprise.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sylvia!
DeleteWhat a coincidence! Where I used to live, there was a statuesque tulip poplar I could see from my deck that always gave me hope and inspiration and exactly for those reasons you stated here. Goosebumps!!!
I'm so glad to know, too, that you have found a marvelous support group with other Christian bloggers. What a comfort it is!
Blessings to you!
I'm very thankful for my family. Good roots.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Rachel!
DeleteYes! Having a wonderfully supportive family is such a comforting thing. Great roots to have, for sure.
Blessings to you!
I could have written this post!! My house is also surrounded by trees but I must admit I spend more time fighting the consequences of this (like squirrels in my attic) rather than appreciating the beauty of the woods. I've never thought about the analogy of deep roots either although this is one of my favorite Bible verses. It is true that surrounding yourself with a support system as well as being someone else's support system is crucial for getting through the storms of life. Thanks for opening my eyes to the deeper meaning of this verse.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lynne, for visiting today!
DeleteWow! You live in a forest, too? We have lots of squirrels but, fortunately, none residing in our attic. I think whatever Danny, Mr. Energy Star, did with the roofing and insulation must be keeping them out.
So glad you liked this post. We all need a strong support system whether we admit it or not. Happy that the tree roots can teach us this valuable lesson.
Blessings to you!
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