Why Roots Matter
It’s called The Big Oak.
My Georgia hometown’s most popular tourist attraction. After all, this southern live oak tree (Quercus virginiana) dates back to 1680 and is currently 68 feet tall and has a limb span of 165 feet.
It is also where my mother was born in 1927, at the home of my great-grandparents Chastain who lived there from 1906-1966.
The tree is magnificent. But it’s the roots that tell the full story.
A mature live oak can have roots that spread underground totaling hundreds of miles. The system is intricate and interwoven. At the beginning of an oak’s life, when an acorn first sprouts, most of its energy is spent on root development, with little growth aboveground. The initial root is the taproot, which grows deep underground, seeking a dependable supply of moisture. Once this is accomplished, greater foliage and branch growth can begin.
So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught. Colossians 2:6-7
I know that Paul was emphasizing that the only way we can grow strong and endure the storms of life is if we have a deep root system. Planted in the soil of God’s love. Watered by His grace. Strengthen in adversity. Providing shelter for others in on the way. And extending quite a reach to a hurting world.
How’s your spiritual root system thriving these days?
Walking over to the Big Oak’s trunk, Mama reminds me of her own mother playing in the center of that huge tree which was already at least 200-years-old at the time. “It breaks my heart to see the tree looking so old and worn out,” she says.
When I hear these words, I sigh… I feel the same way about her.
Walking along the heavy-laden branches, Mama – ever the master gardener — explains an unusual phenomenon. “Most of the time, Cindy, these leaves are brown and brittle. But when it rains they become green and vibrant and full of life. That’s why this is called Resurrection Fern – it comes back to life if given nourishment and attention.”
How true for people as well as leaves on an ancient oak.
We will experience those dry times of pain, disappointment and weariness. We may often feel that life is over and we have nothing left to give. I suppose an elderly widow might be tempted to think that at times, don’t you?
But the truth is that God is always our Sustenance, our Source. When He looks at us, he sees “a planting of the Lord as a display of His splendor” (Isaiah 61.3) The rain comes and we drink it in. And we, too, are resurrected.
Cherish your roots.
Benediction: My child, be rooted in what’s truly important. No one will see the care you take that is deeply underground, but I assure you that it is vitally important. During the inevitable storms of your life, it is the roots of My Word, and your belief that will hold strong. These roots will help you grow tall and wide-reaching to some who live shallow. Never underestimate the power of strong roots.
Lucinda Secrest McDowell in “Dwelling Places”
May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and strength, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
©2021 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
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Thank you for this gentle reminder. As a widow of two years and being 76 years of age, it’s easy to forget my life has value. Thank you for your encouraging messages. God’s Blessings…
Thanks Cindy, I am definitely a tree hugger and we also have a huge oak … so old that resurrection ferns grow on it’s great limbs.
Thanks for your encouraging words Cindy you’re a Bless to our souls!!
Jim G.
I needed these words today - very dry spell in my soul. I’m tired but my roots grew deep and wide so i will not fall. I didn’t know the roots of the oak grew that far!
This is a lovely and true message, Cindy. All the time I was reading it I thought, Cindy could write a book with this meme’s cover and title, and what a book it would be! A message from the Lord? Appreciation for all you are and do? Just thinking and praying God’s blessings on you today!