Living Stumps
In the Rogue River Gorge there is a sign drawing your attention to a…stump.
The stump was once a great fir tree but it was arbitrarily cut down by men, yet the tree didn’t die.
You see, the trees here in the Gorge are living in shallow topsoil on top of lava rock so instead of shooting roots deeply into the ground the tree roots find other firs and connect with their roots.
Thus, the trees nourish each other and even when cut down they can still survive with the help of the community.
Without those connections providing nourishment and refreshment the stump…and the other trees now connected to it…would be left alone to contend with forces of nature and the whims of men.
However strong they may be, the unconnected tree will eventually lose those battles.
The tree with its roots in the community will survive, even when cut down in it’s prime.
The stump, though stricken down, is not only living but it is a source of life for its community.
Need I tell you to make your own application?
Welcome back!
Michael, it’s great to see you!
Thank you both…it’s good to be back.
Glad to see this up, it’s like a cup of cool water…
I’m glad to see this coming back to life.
Yay!
looking forward to the post to come.
Ooooh! I *like* the “reply” button!!!
“Need I tell you to make your own application?”
Yes, yes you do! 😉
Good news!
Hello to all – welcome back Michael. 🙂
MLD…thank you.
Seeing everyone regather is more emotional for me than I thought it would be…
😀
Fantastic.
I feel like I’m walking into a family reunion! Hi, everyone!!! Good to see you!
I’m very excited. Way to go Michael!
Hi folks!
I’m having a private revival…it’s good to see you all.
Yay!!!
I love this illustration of the living stump and I bear witness to the possibility that the natural gives validation to the supernatural in the reality of all things. May this metaphor be as true as you give it credence–I love it! and You! Continue to be the living stump!
Hi Nonnie – I just wanted to try out the reply button 😉
Thank you, LL…much love to you and yours.
Adding my hello. Just got home from the first home group meeting for the Fall…we went until 11pm…ate together, laughed heartily, prayed and sang and talked. Came home to see this other community back up….wonderful end to the evening.
Wood hoooo!
High five to you Michael!
Thank you, Sarah…as soon as I find your registration I’ll make you an admin.
Thank you, Gman!
Yep, that’s how it’s supposed to be!
Hello
Great to see you here, Michael. Thank you for all you’ve done here. I am eternally grateful, and also temporally! 🙂
And of course, hello to everyone else.
welcome back!
Welcome back. 🙂
So glad to see you up and running again, Michael. I sent this post to the folks in our little fellowship community because it so beautifully describes who we are. I have recently felt “cut down” but I am alive and thriving because the roots of our community are firmly connected. Could not survive without their support, and that’s a fact. Thank you for sharing this illustration, rich in truth.
Wow!!! WooohoooOOO … YAY!!! 🙂
They shall be like trees planted by the riverbank! Delight my friends…delight!
Oh happy day!
So happy to see you all!