"Blessed are those who trust in the LORD;
the LORD will be their trust.
They are like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It does not fear heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still produces fruit."
-Jeremiah 17:7-8
It has been a transformative year. I have felt beaten down, scorched, and weak. I've seen the Lord trough it all, but my spirit has been too discouraged to see ME anything like He saw me through it all. Through all of it, I now see me, more as He sees me.
On one of those days when I was feeling particularly victimized and defeated, I was blessed to have a session with my Coach, an invaluable member of Team Alison. She impressed upon me that I was making myself sound like a "bag being blown in the wind". She challenged me to visualize myself differently. What image would help me know that I am not easily shaken? I immediately saw a tree. Even in a defeated moment, somewhere inside of me KNEW I was stronger than that.
The tree became a daily reminder and metaphor The beginning of this exercise was a tree claiming to be rooted and strong, with branches full of life. In the midst of those first insights, I was reminded of the seasons of a tree, and that this is a season. I knew it was a single branch bringing me down...and yet, one branch can't bring down this tree! This tree is full of blessings and fruit! I am blessed by the world's greatest family and friends, people that would move mountains for me just because they love me. I have a job, I have access to food, shelter, and a gym. I'm known, loved, and a wanted priority.
"When you pass through waters, I will be with you;
through rivers, you shall not be swept away.
When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned,
nor will flames consume you.
For I, the LORD, am your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your savior.
I give Egypt as ransom for you,
Ethiopia and Seba* in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my eyes
and honored, and I love you,
I give people in return for you
and nations in exchange for your life." -Isaiah 43:2-4
A friend sent me verse 2, knowing what I was going through, but not knowing about my tree, and yet, it just added to the layers of my tree! I am precious, honored, and loved by God. I can withstand any heat that comes my way!
As I was calibrating this segment of time with my Coach, I just wanted to celebrate my strength. I said to her, "I feel tired, but not drained," God is watering this tree with fresh living water. I am stronger. I am an overcomer.
"I have won
and I have lost
I got it right sometimes
But sometimes I did not
Life's been a journey
I've seen joy, I've seen regret
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it" -Colton Dixon
and I have lost
I got it right sometimes
But sometimes I did not
Life's been a journey
I've seen joy, I've seen regret
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it" -Colton Dixon
