Good morning from Westminster, MD?
Rooted. It’s a word that could have many meanings. In its most literal form, it refers to a plant with roots in the ground. Similarly, it can be used to describe a person who is standing still, as in they have “roots”. In doing a quick internet search, I found some of the common figurative meanings such as deeply held habits, customs, or opinions that are hard to change. When it comes to identifying with a certain group or community it can be used to describe feeling a strong sense of support or connection.
Rooted also has a spiritual meaning for many. It is frequently used in Christian circles to indicate the depth or strength of someone’s faith in God. This comes from the Apostle Paul’s encouragement in his letters to the churches he helped establish to be “rooted in Christ”. In many ways, this is a beautiful picture of faith.
Personally, as someone who grew up around and still works in the lawn care industry, I love the plant metaphor. Roots are an incredibly important part of a plant. Not only do they provide a foundation and anchor for a plant, but they also absorb most of the water and nutrients a plant needs to survive and thrive. Without roots, most plants will not last very long.
The soil or ground a plant is rooted in makes a big difference in most cases as well. If the soil is well-aerated, the plant’s roots can grow deep and provide a strong foundation. If the roots are established in soil that contains the nutrients, minerals, water, and other resources the plant needs, it can thrive and grow. However, if the soil is compact, depleted of nutrients, and generally unsuitable for the plant, the roots will struggle to grow and provide the plant with what it needs to reach its potential.
I could keep going, but you get the picture. Being rooted, and in the right soil, plays a critical role in a plants ability to thrive. So, why should you care? Well, the same truth applies to us as humans.
In fact, I wrote about this in the context of hope in my book, Hope Realized. In my book, I asked if your goal is to have a flourishing tree, are you better off planting a seedling or cutting a branch off an existing tree and sticking in the ground? Now, before all of the gardeners say “it depends”, stick with me (no pun intended). In the short-term, the branch, vibrant and covered in green leaves, may resemble a tree, maybe even providing quicker results than the seedling. However, over time, the truth will be revealed. Absent the roots it needs to survive the branch will die.
The seedling is a different story. It might start out small and unremarkable, but it has what it needs to thrive: roots. If you care for it and plant it in the proper soil, what appeared to be very little at first has the potential within it to become a beautiful tree. The roots make all the difference.
This can be true for us as well. If and where we are rooted makes an incredible difference. Being rooted provides a strong foundation for growth. Being rooted in a place that provides what is necessary for growth gives us the best chance at reaching our God-given potential. What this looks like can vary a little from person-to-person as well as when it is applied to a group of people or an organization. But in the end, the principle itself remains true: your roots matter.
Being rooted becomes even more important when life is less than ideal. The truth is we all encounter challenges in life. In this broken world full of broken people, me included, it is unavoidable. A person’s ability to endure the storms and continue growing despite them, is greatly impacted by their rootedness. Being rooted doesn’t mean a person will avoid pain or even a few scars. Like a tree in a storm, they might end up with a few marks. The key is, because they are properly rooted, the storms of life are a part of their story, not the end of it.
Personally, as a Follower of Jesus, I have found Jesus and his love to be the best place for my roots to grow. In this “soil” I am fed by the truth that I was created on purpose and for a purpose by a God who loves me. This helps me endure the storms and remain resilient as I pursue God’s best for me. It is not a straight line and, as a good friend of mine says, I walk with a limp at times, but being rooted in Jesus has puts me in a position to continue to grow.
Are you rooted? If so, where have you placed your roots? Are you in a position continue to grow, even when the inevitable storms arrive? Your roots matter.
Plants with roots are meant to grow. The same is true for people. We will explore that more next time.
James Belt
Click here for more resources to help you bring hope to others, including more information about my book, Hope Realized!
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