There is a tree in our backyard that my husband and I thought had died. Her bark had begun to deteriorate and some of her small branches were frequently falling on the ground below her. Though I did not like the idea of taking her down, I also did not want her to easily be blown over in a storm. Though something happened within these past few weeks. A big storm blew in and she remained strong through it all. Then, we noticed pretty green leaves blooming from upon her branches. We realized that though she may not be in the best shape, she was still very much alive. Her roots still strong in the ground below her. Even through the storm, she still stood tall. Her green leaves a reminder that even though not perfect, she was still beautiful. I am glad that we didn’t cut her down. This tree of mine was a reminder that sometimes we may feel like were falling apart, though with God at our roots, we are strong enough to withstand the storm. That even when we are not perfectly put together, we still have beauty to offer. Friend, there may be times where we feel like the tree in my backyard. Things may not always be perfect, but we still have so much to offer. When we keep our strength and our worth rooted in God’s love, despite our imperfections, we can still stand strong and offer beauty in the world around us.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.