You can listen to the audio of this blog below, read by Kay Naomi.

One morning, while scrolling through Apple News on my phone, I came across an article that piqued my interest. The article was written by The Guardian and it’s called, “The Big British bamboo crisis: ‘It invaded my beautiful home.’” The photo at the top of the article showed bamboo shoots coming through the kitchen floor. I was intrigued.

The article explained that this particular species of bamboo was considered intrusive as it has a strong root system that expands over large areas underground. Many of the residents who planted the bamboo had done so over ten years ago. They were unaware of how this would impact them in the future. Then “suddenly” they started seeing bamboo shoots come up through walls, behind stoves, and even through concrete!!!!!

In one instance, a family had to have their entire first floor pulled up to excavate all the roots that had overtaken their foundation. It was wild! You can some photos below for context.

As I pondered on what I read, I could not help but see how this applies to you and me. Here is another lesson from trees.

As you look at these photos, what comes to mind? I will share with you some of my thoughts. The first thing that I noticed was that the root systems were growing rapidly, below the surface. Then one day, seemingly out of nowhere, sprouts were coming up in places they did not belong.

This parallel was glaring to me: There are traumatic things we experience in life that plant seeds in our hearts. When we don’t address the trauma and the pain, the seeds begin to sprout. They grow roots, branches, and fruit. We may not “see” the effects of these things until one day, we have an outburst because we have been holding in our emotions. Or maybe we start having panic attacks. Or maybe we are guarded and won’t let people get close to us. These things don’t always show up right away. Ask me how I know!

I have been on a journey with the Lord over the past few weeks where He has been revealing things in my heart that have become like the “Big British bamboo.” He has been uncovering roots that need to be “excavated.” For example, God reminded me of hurtful words that were spoken to me about my appearance during my teenage years. I did not realize until recently how those words colored how I see myself today.

I am grateful that God does not bring these things up just for us to know about them, but to heal us and speak truth to our hearts.

Now, there is a flip side to this. Having deep roots is not a bad thing. The key is what is planted and where it is planted. Those bamboo trees were doing exactly what they were created to do. However, they should not be planted in residential areas but rather in nature where they have room to grow and sprout without obstruction.

The same is true for us! When we allow the seeds of God’s Word to be planted in our hearts, we see the fruit of the Spirit such as faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, joy, and peace just to name a few (ref Galatians 5:22-23). Even more, we want our roots to be strong, deep, and expansive in God! Interestingly enough, there are Scriptures that speak to this!

A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved. Proverbs 12:3 NKJV

The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit. Proverbs 12:12 NKJV

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. Psalms 92:12-14 NKJV

My prayer for you is that you will allow God to excavate the things in your heart that don’t belong there.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that we can learn more about You and ourselves through creation. We invite you into the deep places of our heart. Reveal what needs to excavated and heal us in those places. We trust you. Thank you for loving us in this way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Until Next Time,

Live and Love Audaciously,

Kay Naomi