Community Support

Last week on my Facebook post, I shared about the road trip I took with my daughter, Laura, and her kids, Max and Lily, to go and see my brother on hospice. My brother slept a lot during the visit, but we got a chance to say some things to each other before we left for home. It was a difficult trip, but I am so relieved we were able to go.

We decided to make a real effort to enjoy the drive. With two ten year olds, we “got” to make lots of stops which reminded us to try to enjoy the journey as much as we could. While driving to Ashland, we appreciated the differences in the landscapes and the beauty of nature.

On the drive back, we passed an area where our family lived over forty years ago. Laura and I decided to stop by and see our old house, some of our favorite spots, and extend the trip a little. We went searching for a beautiful tree which was in the center of a street in Danville. The branches extended to the sidewalks on both sides of the road. On our previous trips to see John’s parents, the tree had been propped up by wooden beams. So we were afraid it had not survived the twenty years since our last visit.

But there it was! It is still incredibly beautiful, and this time it was supported by a large metal sculpture. The tree has value to the community so everything is being done to preserve its charm.

I love the beauty of trees! But I especially love the symbolism of this gorgeous tree being supported in order to persevere and stand tall.

It reminds me that we often forget that we have value to Jesus Christ; that we are beautiful to Him. In Celebrate Recovery, we are supported by our Lord and Savior, our accountability partners, our sponsors, friends and family so that we can persevere, forgive ourselves and others, and stand tall.

James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Who has supported you during your recovery?