Have you ever noticed how much the Mangrove tree is similar to God?  The mangrove tree drops into the salt water as a little seed.  In spite of the adversity of the salt, it sprouts roots and begins to form a tree.  Animals and particles cling to the roots dangling in the water.  Soon an island begins to develop.

Isn’t that how we often times grow as a Christian?  We find ourselves in a sea of adversity.  We reach out for help, to be saved from whatever is bothering us.  We grab a hold of the root dangling in front of us (God’s love, hope and salvation).  The next thing you know, we are surrounded by an island of strength - our church, Christian friends and especially the knowledge that God is there for us.  We just need to reach out.

Why does it take us so long?  Maybe we need to be truly hurting to appreciate how strongly those roots develop.

Wanda Stokely