how does a broken forest resemble America?

I’m sitting at my desk looking out at the broken forest behind our home. The marks of Helene’s savage assault still linger. Trees are fully uprooted. Broken limbs dangle, some split in two. Many trees have fallen into the tree beside them, with branches bare and stark in the November sun. I’m reminded of America in the wake of this election season.

The Shared Experience of a Horrific Storm is Evident

Personally, I’m pleased with the results … my candidate won. But my heart is sad and troubled for those whose candidate lost. This battle was like no other, and its ramifications will be felt for many years. No one should be shunned or ridiculed for their political stance. No one. And no one should gloat with an arrogance that God disdains.

I look at the forest, especially those trees holding up the fallen, broken ones. The weight must be great, maybe inconvenient, yet the support holds. The shared experience of a horrific storm is evident. The forest is still the forest, even though it is littered with brokenness.

America is still America

America is still America, even though it is battered and torn.

Our flag still stands. It stands for freedom. It stands for one nation under God, INDIVISIBLE, with liberty and justice for all — even for those with whom we disagree. As a people, let’s remember this.

The sun has now broken through the morning clouds and is lighting the dull gray of the forest, sunbeams are shining on the broken and the strong, indiscriminately. I’m reminded to let my light so shine — on the broken and the strong, on those who are disheartened, and on those who are smiling in victory.

America, let’s support one another in this winter season

Winter is just around the corner, but come March and April, the trees will come alive with new growth, and even the broken ones will find a way to share in the new birth of spring. Let’s do the same, America. Let’s support one another in this winter season. Some of our family and friends have been walloped by an election that didn’t go their way. They are hurting. Be a shoulder of understanding for them to lean on.

And pray. Pray for unity, pray for love to reign.

And above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ~ Proverbs 4:23

Selah

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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.

Sweet blessings to you,