We've got a survivor, here!

I recently visited ground zero discovering the Survivor Tree. It is a Callery pear tree that had been growing and rescued at ground zero. I learned the tree survived the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center 22 years ago. The tree was discovered to be alive despite snapped roots and broken and burned branches. The tree was excavated and taken to another site and cared for by The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The Survivor Tree was transplanted at the 9/11 Memorial Museum site in 2010. It bears new life even though my photo was taken during the winter season.

The Survivor Tree story inspired me for a few reasons as I listened to the story. The first thing that stood out was the discovery of it's survival, considering the level of devastation surrounding it. Then the realization of the urgency to remove the tree from the environment. The tree was taken to another location where experts and an environment with optimal conditions could provide optimal care. The damage reduced the tree to stumps and healing would certainly be lengthy. Out of nothing (stumps) over time new growth was birthed. Today the tree is healthy and from a distance appears to be a normal tree. The stumpy areas are visible only at a closer proximity.

How does this relate to us? Perhaps, your situation is more evident while others a slow detour. We must discover when we are in need. We need awareness of our situations, sometimes we can't see the whole picture. Have you ever seen a spider or wasp on someone's back? They were totally oblivious to the danger until you made them aware. So like the tree, you need awareness. You also have an obligation to share the truth in love with others.

The other thing, we need when facing a difficult situation are other people. Like the tree, it had to be transferred to a healthy environment with caretakers. We also need a healthy environment and people who love and care for us. A different environment can be a walk, visiting a friend, or going to a brother or sister in Christ. Correction or another's insight may not always feel good, always test it. Test what they share against God's Word. Seeking the counsel of others helped me immensely when I walked through darkness.

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, Proverbs 1:5

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:20-21