Palm Trees

Under the ground the roots go deep. The  plant begins to grow. However, instead of growing up. It grows out. The trunk of this tree takes shape. Growing round and hard and wide. Finally, when it has reached it's final shape it begins to spring from the ground. The palm tree is the only tree whose trunk fully forms under the ground. While other trees shoot straight up and we can tell their age by the thickness of the trunk, not so with any palm tree (and there are a couple hundred of varieties worldwide by the way.) You may see a little stumpy palm tree. It is actually about 5 years old.  Instead an "old" palm tree is tall, not fat. This makes for a very flexible tree. They are able to withstand hurricane force winds and not break or become uprooted. It is the time that they take to form before they grow that is so vital.

Bamboo is the same way. A bamboo shoot forms beneath the ground for five years before it shoots straight into the air.

As I sat next to the computer on Friday, for three hours I taught one third grader how to write a report. As we learned about Thurgood Marshall together, we explored the nuances on gathering information and repeating it in our own words. More accurately, in his own words. So much flooded over me during that time. His mother had asked for help. This is huge in a community where you don't tell people your business, so you would never admit that you need help. We were able to walk with this family. She had asked us specifically to help with this report. Then there was the fun of teaching a child "how
to do something. Having a learning experience where someone sat and took the time to teach him. Then there was the subject matter. Thurgood Marshall, was not only one of the first African American appointed Supreme Court Justice, he was one of the most influential justices in history. The majority of his court cases, his entire legal career, dealt with social injustice. He fought and overturned the legal belief of "separate but equal," and was instrumental in Brown v. Board of Education. Looking into this little, perfectly round, beautifully brown face and explaining this was powerful. To be a white woman sitting along side a black child, I was overcome that in my own parents lifetime, this was illegal. To hear this young man explain these concepts in his own words were awe inspiring. I was moved.

It hit me that this young man is one of our "palm trees." These are the moments spent alongside showing love and care and patience. One moment in a computer lab is well felt, but not impactful. It is a million moments that add together. As I look into this 9 year old face, I see another strong, black man in the making. He is a leader among leaders. He will be a man of the Lord,

At any moment we could walk away and come to believe that we are not making a "difference." We can't always see with our eyes the work going on underground. It looks like a lot of time for a little stump in the ground.

"Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.... And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful heart" Colossains 3:12 &14-16

We have to be draped in patience and love. We must look beyond what we can see. As this young man grows, we have to keep tending this little plant. Even when it might "feel" like we are standing there and watering a plot of dirt. For as this plant grows strong and tall, he will be able to withstand the storms this life has to offer. He will walk out a life worthy of His Lord. He will change His city. Isn't that the point.

"It is easier to build strong children than to fix broken men." Frederick Douglas