*This was originally created as an IG post on April 27, one week after suffering a miscarriage at 10 weeks. I did not originally include that part of the story as I was deep in grief. I wanted to share the post and background information here as well.
Weeds in Indonesia are quite beautiful. This guy sprung up in the middle of our rock bed drainage thing (I’m sure there’s an actual word for it.). I took this photo shortly after a torrential downpour. I’m talking some of the heaviest rain I’ve seen while living here. This flower took a beating, and still shines bright.
There’s a lot we can learn from this flower.
He grew in an unlikely place under poor conditions. He survives the relentless rain and scorching sun. He still exemplifies the beauty of his creator. He shows hope, even in the worst circumstances. And he’s a weed – an “unwanted” thing!
Hope is my new favorite word. Life is not ideal right now – on any level. There are many things beyond my control that bring me confusion, fear and pain. Yet, I am full of hope.
My prayer for humanity is that we all look outward and upward. Yeah, I know, being at home stinks. Your kids are stir crazy, you’re depressed from lack of social interaction, your bank account is dwindling, your hair really needs a cut and color, and, quite frankly, you’re bored. But, we must remember, this virus is bigger than us, and it’s causing all of humanity to take a severe beating in so many ways. It’s not about you. It’s about us, all of us together, clinging to the hope that someday, someway, we will be ok again.
And, lest you forget while you’re overwhelmed with fear or confusion or grief, this virus isn’t bigger than our ultimate Hope: the reason we must look upward. The same Creator who made this flower to withstand the chaotic elements around it made you. And, believe me, He loves you, me, us more than this flower.
May we all see Hope today.
