Triumph After Tragedy: A Lesson from Redwood Trees

Forest fires can be devastating. So much loss.

As you scan the landscape in the aftermath of such a disaster, like the massive wildfires we’ve had in Colorado over the years, you see some trees completely obliterated and others with black, charred limbs.

The Redwood trees, however, have a secret.

Grown mostly in California and southern Oregon, these centuries-old giants—300 feet or taller—have a unique ability to withstand fire. In addition to their high branches and the dense bark that provides protection, Redwood trees lack a flammable resin on their bark (which most other types of trees have) rendering them mostly fireproof.

Even when the heat of a forest fire is so intense that it kills the tree, the roots often survive because they are buried in the cool, moist soil.

And in time, new sprouts begin to appear on the burned trees. New growth. New life.

Triumph after tragedy.

You may have suffered unspeakable losses, too. And you feel like your life will never be the same. That may be true; it may never be the exact same way things were before your loss. But, like the Redwoods, new life—a different life–can sprout again.

You may be hurting now, but you are not harmed beyond repair.

You are still here. Still standing. Still living life the best you can.

As you get back to the roots of truth in your life, re-growth comes. Thankfully, the heart is surprisingly resilient.

Remember the basics:
You are God’s child.
He is here, with you always.
God loves you with an everlasting love.
He is your comfort. Your healing. Your strength. Your joy.

And He is working, even now, to bring all things together for the good. While we may not always see it or feel it right now, your loving, healing God is repairing the burned out pieces of your heart.

Trust God for new hope.

Healing will come. And all things will be made new.

RESOURCES

For more hope and healing, check out these books by Jackie M. Johnson:

Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough

Power Prayers for Women

Prayers with Purpose for Women

Photo: Jordan Pulmano on Unsplash