Character

Andy Stanley in his book "Like a Rock" tells at the edge of a rocky overlook in the Appalachian foothills stands a lone two-hundred-year-old evergreen tree. Through the years it has defied heavy snows, hailstorms, and the steady westerly winds rising off the valley floor. From its vulnerable view of endless ridges and valleys, it has seen conditions that would snap most trees in half. Nevertheless it stands strong.
Whats the secret?...The answer lies below the surface. For literally two centuries, the elements have hurled their assaults against the tree. But while storms raged on the outside, the tree was developing an inner support system to sustain it. Every gust of wind sent the roots sprawling deeper into the soil, expanding the trees tenacious grip on the mountain.
The week past has fired another few storms and I have to admit Wednesday night I lay before the Lord on the floor and for the first time in my life I didn't know what to say. I was battle weary and speechless before him so I wept and wept and wept and then slept.
We are like trees, subject to the stormy elements of life. When they come, we either snap or grow stronger. What makes the difference is not the ferocity of the storm but the depth of our CHARACTER.
Love yas