Oak trees are beautiful. We moved into our neighborhood 31 years ago because of the mature oak trees. They provide much needed shade from our intense Florida heat.

Tom had a tree removed out of necessity in our front yard last month. It was the tree right outside my office window; the one I would stare at when writer’s block had me in its grip. It was also the on-ramp for the local squirrel population to access our roof.

But now it is gone. It was diseased and unsafe for the high winds we often have blow over us. It’s good that Tom no longer has to worry about a falling branch landing on our car or house.

Instead of staring at my tree this morning, I’m staring at the level ground where it once stood.

As I was caught in this mindless gaze, I heard a truth whispered to me that I’ve been pondering ever since…

Though the tree is gone, it’s roots remain.

The roots that provided nourishment and support through every storm and powerful hurricane. The roots that were also there as the first green shoots were breaking through the soil.

Healthy roots provide fruit.

In our lives, Tom and I have seen family members whom we love leave this life for the next. They once stood as a tall oak embracing whatever blew their way. They provided us direction, comfort and support when needed.

Though the tree is gone, their roots remain.

They whisper reminders, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Our marriage stands on strong roots, a tree planted in fertile ground. Although life has thrown us some difficult storms, we are still standing strong for God’s glory.

““But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.””
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Jeremiah 17:7-8

There is a song out now that has provided much needed encouragement to us.

Firm Foundation, by Cody Carnes

Christ is our firm foundation. The rock on which I stand. When everything around me is shaken, I’ve never been more glad.

That I put my faith in Jesus, ‘cause He’s never let me down. He’s faithful through generations. So why would He fail now?

He won’t!

This song has been our anthem in this season of loss and pain.

All marriages face hard times. The question is, how are your roots? Are they wrapped around Christ? He won’t fail. He won’t!