Deep Roots

I’ve been wanting to write this blog since last week after watching coverage on Hurricane Idalia. One particular video I saw on X (formerly Twitter) social media platform was astonishing. Someone in Florida had videoed tall trees under the distress of strong hurricane force winds. Some of the trees were literally bending until two snapped. It was stunning to watch.

This made me think about root systems. I also wondered if those two tall trees that snapped in two under the pressure of strong hurricane force winds would sprout new life and eventually grow back. It probably depends on the type of trees and how healthy the root systems and soil are. While I am writing on physical root systems and the damage of hurricanes, it really strikes me on a much deeper level.

What about the “hurricanes” in our personal lives? You know those “depressions” that turn into category 1, category 2, category 3 and category 4. Life storms can build and seem relentless. The “storms” can come in so many forms; health issues, disabilities, death of loved ones, lack of concern, issues with kids, finances, the list goes on and on. Just yesterday a friends cousin died unexpectantly. His aunt lost her husband this past Spring and now has lost four of her five children. Another friend recently told me that things seem to improve them wham! Something worse happens! So many stories of people I know going through tremendous struggles. It makes one wonder how much people can take before they feel like they will just break. That’s where strong roots are needed.

Rooted in what you might ask? For me personally it’s being rooted in Jesus Christ. My hope, faith, trust and future are all in Him. He is the one who sustains me when I just can’t. All the people I mentioned with hurricane forces in life are all Christians. With prayer, a steady dose of the “Word of God”, unity in fellowship and worshiping through it all: they will make it. Their roots run deep.

I don’t know how people make it through life without a relationship with Jesus. There are so many who take their eyes off Jesus and become distracted in life. They need a touch from the Holy Spirit to get them back on track. I hope it doesn’t take a life storm to get them focused on what truly matters.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7-10 says: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (NKJV )

My prayer for you all is summed up in Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭19,: “My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”( MSG‬‬)

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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