The Weeping Willow Tree

     Predawn this morning, while leaving the fitness center, I met a new acquaintance whose name is Willow.   Introductions completed, I turned, took one step toward the exit, but then reversed my course.   A message needed to be delivered – to a new friend then and to you all now.

     In true blunt and to the point Bonnie Jean fashion, I blurted out, “Do you know the inspirational meaning within your name?”   In response came a quizzical, “No”.   To which I retorted, “Well then, let me tell you what our Good Lord has just instilled in me.”   My perceived “God Enlightenment” began.

     A willow is a tree.   The tree named Willow is twined to weeping.   To weep is to cry.   All weeping willow’s branches bend down but do not break.   Ever wonder why?   Is this a sign of weakness or where the greatest strength is found?   I believe the later.   Indeed, when God created the weeping willow tree, a message of HOPE was planted as its root. 

      Weeping is not meant to break us.   Our tears flow because our spiritual souls feel sorrow, and our physical hearts fear painful shattering.   The weeping willow tree holds God’s guidance.   When hardest we are weeping, all branches of our being must bend down and pray with deepest supplication.   Herein, lies the only way to keep from being broken, when storms of earthly life engulf us.  

     There are many challenges in life that we are incapable of overcoming by standing up in confrontation.   If, on our own, we try to do so, we will be broken.   We can only keep from being broken, if we branch the way, by bending down in prayer and giving God our weeping tears and sweeping fears.  

     As I walked out the Fitness Center’s doors this morning, I threw my head back, looked into the still dark sky and cautiously inquired, “Dear Lord, I hope I don’t personally need this insight today”.   Heard God whisper back, “Not only today, but every day!!!”   Heeding God’s declaration, once home, a new “stick on” adorns my desk.   “…the Lord has heard my weeping.   The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.” (Psalms 6:8-9) NIV