The Power of Words

Happy Wednesday, friends! 

As authors, we deal with words, and I’d venture to say we’re enthralled with them—striving to use just the right words to convey what we want to say. I listened to a sermon the other day. It was about Caleb, his hope and finishing strong. The Israelites in the wilderness were the opposite. I don’t know about you, but I want to be like Caleb. Trusting in God in difficult times, never losing hope, and running the race strong until the end. All of this got me thinking aa about sharing a very specific word that I believe holds so much encouragement. 

The word is xerarch! Yep, it really is a word. I triple-checked. LOL! In fact, it’s a wonderful word full of deep meaning. 

The definition of xerarch is a form of plant succession starting in bare ground that is very dry or limited by water availability and eventually culminating in a mature forest. Such communities usually originate from extremely dry environments, such as rock deserts and sand dunes.

It is a mature forest that’s grown from the smallest of beginnings—a single seed. Not only that, it has to grow in the driest, arid environments.

I love the image of an empty, barren place with a plant blooming in it. A lone xerarch flower blooming in the desert is a mighty display of God’s reminder that the most beautiful things can come from the hardest of circumstances, and if we don’t give up, as Caleb didn’t give up, we can grow strong and mature. If He’s planted you in a dry place, trust that He’ll bring you to bloom.

If you are struggling to grow in a dry, hard place, trust that God is at work, and when you mature into full bloom, you will be a glorious reflection of Him to behold.

Here is a song that has spoken to me so much over the years when I’ve been in dry places. I hope it speaks to your heart today as well.

Reader Question:

What song is speaking to you right now? Are there any that fill you with hope whenever you listen to it? I’d love it if you’d share.