Strength from Adversity

Isn’t it interesting that the strongest living things often endure the harshest circumstances?

My family recently vacationed on the Georgia coast. It’s a beautiful area that has been kept natural. Georgia didn’t clear-cut its trees like some other states I have visited and there are beautiful oaks that are hundreds of years old, dripping in Spanish moss, standing proudly.

We learned that the wood of the live oaks is especially strong and that wood from some of coastal Georgia’s oaks was used in the construction of the hull of the USS Constitution. Interestingly enough, she was named by President George Washington and her maiden voyage was in 1798.

She is most famous for her performance in the War of 1812, where she got the nickname of “Old Ironsides,” because the artillery from the enemy just bounced off her rock solid hull.

And guess what? She’s still in service for the US Navy. She serves as a museum now, but in 1997 for her 200th birthday, she sailed under her own steam.

Let’s consider that for a minute. Think about the materials she was made of. Trees that can grow in coastal environments have to be able to withstand all types of assault from nature. First of all, salt water kills most things that are green. It tends to be very corrosive. Then there’s the extreme heat and sometimes drought. Oh, and let’s not forget tropical storms and hurricanes.

Yet, these live oak trees survive and thrive. There’s one on the coast of South Carolina that’s estimated to be over 1,500 years old. The fact that they live in hostile environments makes them incredibly strong and resilient and when they are cut down to be used to build something, like the USS Constitution, it too, becomes incredibly strong and long lasting.

The ones with large limbs that touch the ground and then grow back up to the sky are often referred to as angel oaks because they touch the earth and then grow back towards Heaven.

These trees have stayed on my mind long since we have returned from our trip. I think they have much to teach us.

First of all, the strongest living things must survive adversity. We simply can’t get stronger sitting in the shade sipping lemonade in perfect weather. No, it’s the storms that strengthen us and define us.

The Bible tells us, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

But, then after we have persevered, we have the ability to use our strength to help others and to build lasting testaments to the God who stood by our side and helped us survive and thrive in our adversity.

Lastly, we too, are earth bound at the moment like those trees, but we too are growing towards Heaven with each passing day, with each prayer, with each act of kindness, with each step of faith.

And like those trees, our journey too, through the good and bad, can be stunningly beautiful. A huge live oak reminded me. Perhaps you needed reminding too.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂