Trees are actually representations of people. They come in many different types, shapes, sizes, colors, shades, heights, widths, bear different types of fruit, nuts, leaves, wood, etc. and all serve different purposes. There is one purpose that all trees have in common: to work together to keep the ecosystem and environment alive and thriving through the life that they all provide. One tree alone or only certain types of trees cannot accomplish this, the task is too great. All the trees together accomplish this as one!
Reach out and embrace all trees including yourself! Individually we are all unique and have so much to offer! When you look at a person you see one “piece” of a greater picture which is already amazing, but when more “pieces” are all put together and you stand back from a distance you see the “whole picture” and it’s glorious! Like us, each “piece” is unique and pretty, but when all the “pieces” are put “together,” we make a spectacular picture that blesses and draws everyone to us!
When others are drawn to us, it is our responsibility to provide quality time with your undivided attention, with no distractions, from an accepting non-judgmental space? That is one of the biggest forms of selfless love that you can show someone. Actually stay with them, share the moment with them, meet them where they are, and actively listen to all of their forms of communication (verbal/nonverbal) to attempt to truly understand as much as you can. Practice Agape and watch the relationship and atmosphere change. Read About WhatsupUniversity
As humans, we tend to just accept things as how they are, and just go along “with how things have always been done.” Do not just ACCEPT the things of the world telling you how things “work,” how things “should be,” who you are, etc. That’s not your name. Speak life and speak over your identity and destiny. Speak and create beauty. Don’t let the world take away or diminish your beauty. We are all quite familiar with the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Well if that’s is the case, than who can define your beauty except you and the God who created you? What Beauty are you speaking out today? Be blessed my Beautiful ones!!
“I have never accepted what many people have kindly said, namely that I have inspired the nation. It was the nation and the race dwelling all around the globe that had the lion heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar.” One of my favorite people with the sharpest wit and gall as strong as steel is Winston Churchill. He always spoke with boldness and veracity, strongly stood by and communicated his thoughts, values, decisions and morals in the midst of one of the darkest times in human history. Because of his demeanor, he was not always well received, but his courageous truth changed history. Like he did, never compromise your values, morals and what you stand for. It’s the essence of you and no one is worthy enough to take that from you. You can’t please everyone so why try?
It’s more important to serve others and influence the world, not about how many “likes.” Those things are temporarily and unfulfilling. Find those who celebrate, encourage, and speak to you in love and truth. Trust in your faith and you won’t be shaken! Be the light that helps others find their way out of the darkness and get home!
Mark 8:22-25; Jeremiah 17:8; Psalm 1:3; Isaiah 6:13; Psalm 133:1; Romans 12:9; Romans 12:18; Colossians 3:15; Romans 13:10; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Romans 8:11; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 61:1-11; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Proverbs 27:17; Romans 12:2; Psalms 62:2 (New International Version, 2011).
References:
New International Version. (2011). BibleGateway.com.
www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#booklist
850 Year Old Tree Photo Courtesy of Danny Hill
