Between the Weeds

Weeds all along the roadside as I biked early this morning in the hot sun.

The white ones are called "Queen Ann's Lace" and I'm usually allergic to them but for some reason, this summer, they're not bothering me. I've never really liked them because 1. they're weeds.  2. they make me sneeze and cause itchy eyes.

Until today.

Today, I saw them in a new light.

Yup...they're still weeds.

But look closely at the photo.

Between the weeds are some of my favorite summer wild flowers:  black-eyed Susans.  (at least that's what my dad always called them on our camp property in the Adirondacks). I've always thought how pretty they are.

They're strong, but at the same time, kind of delicate.

And I felt like pausing there for a moment to reflect on what exactly I was seeing in this amazing creation of ours.

I saw strong, pretty flowers surrounded by weeds.

and I felt the nudge of God whispering to my soul "you're like those flowers. Your soul and heart are delicate right now.  You're surrounded by the junk...the weeds of life unfair, and betrayals of past respected leaders, and wounded hearts, and pain buried deep. yet, you are strong and have endured much and will endure more and you will make it if you don't wither and give up."

Those flowers?  They thrive when the heat is on.

and they stand tall even amidst the weeds trying to choke them out.

The heat is on right now in my soul...in my heart.....and I am not going to let evil choke out the strength I have left.

Should I cry, and scream, and fight, and forgive?

Yes.

But..... I'm not ready.  I'm just not ready to do it.  I don't want revenge but I do want justice.  Justice for the wounded hearts, for the betrayals, for the lives upset. 

And so like those flowers, I will thrive in the heat of this moment.....maybe it will take a week, a month, or more.  

But I'm strong. 

Even with a soul that feels deadened and the pain of the past, I can find beauty again among those ashes.

I can stand between the weeds.

(watch the video!)