Women’s Ministry Minute
June 26, 2020
Katelyn Hamlow
Roots
I don’t think that this is news to anyone, but for those who don’t know, my family and I live on a farm, and for as long as I can remember my family has had a garden. For our tomatoes and peppers, we always start our seeds in early spring in starter pods before putting them in the ground as plants. My grandma always taught me when you start seeds in the tiny pods you start with 3-4 seeds in the pod. Then as you watch the seedlings grow, you pull out the weak seedlings to make space for the strongest one. The interesting thing about pulling the weak plants is that sometimes you are actually pulling the tallest of the seedlings. Now for many people, this might seem counterintuitive. The tallest plants are often seen as the fastest growing or healthiest, but often that isn’t the case. Lots of time, the shorter, slower growing seedlings are actually the strongest. You see, the shorter seedlings have spent their time developing their root systems. They grow with stronger stems and end up doing much better in the harsh country wind, sun, and elements. As with so many things growing up on a farm, I can’t help but relate this lesson about plants to our relationship with God. When I think about all of the women I admire so much, who never waiver in their faith, who have weathered so many storms in their lives, the common thread is the same; they have strong roots. They are anchored in God’s word, and in his teachings. They have done the work, and put in the time, to have deep roots and strong stems. They might not always be the tallest or the easiest to spot, but they are strong and able to withstand the harshness of this world, and isn’t this what God is calling each of us to?
I want to encourage each of you to grow your roots. Take time to develop your relationship with God, to get to know him, be anchored in his Word and teachings. Sisters, we do not always need to be to the tallest, the fastest growing, or the most seen. We need to plant our roots deep, where no matter the challenge, we can face it because of our relationship with our Lord.
Colossians 2:7; Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.