According to some sources there are more hurricanes, tornadoes and typhoons today than there have been in the past. Well, I don’t know what is happening to the weather, but I do feel the storms of life coming at us harder and more frequently than at any other point in my lifetime. Wars. Pandemics. Drought. Inflation. Illegal drugs. Pornography. Human trafficking. Suicide. Social media. The list is long and growing.
Only the toughest of trees can stand against these terrible tempests. Today’s moms need to be as strong as a mighty oak. Oak trees symbolize strength, stability, protection, wisdom, endurance, healing, fertility, power, beauty, resilience, justice, morality and honesty. All virtues associated with mothers. The bible refers to these strong women as “oaks of righteousness.” These mighty oak mamas have roots that run deep and branches that reach high.
The Oak Tree
A mighty wind blew night
and day It stole the oak tree's leaves
away Then snapped its boughs
and pulled its bark Until the oak was tired and stark But still the oak tree held its ground While other trees fell all around The weary wind gave up and spoke. How can you still be standing Oak? The oak tree said, I know that you Can break each branch of mine in two Carry every leaf away Shake my limbs, and make me sway But I have roots stretched in the earth Growing stronger since my birth You'll never touch them, for you see They are the deepest part of me Until today, I wasn't sure Of just how much I could endure But now I've found, with thanks to you I'm stronger than I ever knew
Johnny Ray Ryder Jr
Trees that grow in a tempestuous territory become powerful and sturdy. Roots grow fast and deep. Branches become fruitful and resilient.
You are vastly more valuable to God than a tree. You are His daughter. You are strong and capable. You provide shelter and shade. You are a mother in a time of great storms. You may not feel mighty but you are becoming. Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.