SUBMITTED BY: SHANE
Next week on April 19, I will be remembering where I was when I heard about the Oklahoma City Bombing. For those of you who do not remember, it was an outrage! It was one of the worst attacks on our country because it was an attack on innocent people, including young children. All over the news, we would see pictures of people crying, bleeding, and scared to death. It was a day of pain, sorrow, and mass confusion and fear. Even though I was safe and sound in a high school building, on my way to class, I could feel the pain and hurt in my heart. I hurt for them. It seemed like a hopeless situation.
A few years ago, I took a trip to see the Memorial, and will never forget the inspiration I received from being there. One of my favorite parts of the Memorial was seeing the Survivor Tree. When the bombing occurred, the tree was majorly damaged. It seemed as though the tree was beyond survival. Fortunately, Spring came, and, because of how the tree was maintained and its foundation, it began to bloom again. See, one of the roots was placed inside a large pipe, so it could reach the soil beyond the wall without being damaged. I find that to be really awesome. The coolest thing about it was the inscription around the inside of a deck wall around the Survivor Tree reads: "The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us."
I am so thankful for the faith that I have in God. Not only is it my faith alone, but Melissa and I put our faith in Him. Our relationship has had its ups and downs. There was even a time when we spent some time apart so she could dedicate time to fully support her sister during a trial in her life. At first, it seemed as though my relationship with Melissa had little to no chance of surviving the separation. Like the Survivor Tree in Oklahoma City, our relationship would be restored once again. In time, God gave the relationship new life when we reconciled, and it is stronger than ever now. I truly believe it was our "deeply rooted faith" that sustained our relationship.
If you are going through a tough time in your life and it feels like there's no hope, I pray you would not lose faith, and that God would help you through your hard time. If your faith is deeply rooted in God, I am confident that you will not be defeated by your trials and pain.
-Shane Larson
Next week on April 19, I will be remembering where I was when I heard about the Oklahoma City Bombing. For those of you who do not remember, it was an outrage! It was one of the worst attacks on our country because it was an attack on innocent people, including young children. All over the news, we would see pictures of people crying, bleeding, and scared to death. It was a day of pain, sorrow, and mass confusion and fear. Even though I was safe and sound in a high school building, on my way to class, I could feel the pain and hurt in my heart. I hurt for them. It seemed like a hopeless situation.
A few years ago, I took a trip to see the Memorial, and will never forget the inspiration I received from being there. One of my favorite parts of the Memorial was seeing the Survivor Tree. When the bombing occurred, the tree was majorly damaged. It seemed as though the tree was beyond survival. Fortunately, Spring came, and, because of how the tree was maintained and its foundation, it began to bloom again. See, one of the roots was placed inside a large pipe, so it could reach the soil beyond the wall without being damaged. I find that to be really awesome. The coolest thing about it was the inscription around the inside of a deck wall around the Survivor Tree reads: "The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us."
I am so thankful for the faith that I have in God. Not only is it my faith alone, but Melissa and I put our faith in Him. Our relationship has had its ups and downs. There was even a time when we spent some time apart so she could dedicate time to fully support her sister during a trial in her life. At first, it seemed as though my relationship with Melissa had little to no chance of surviving the separation. Like the Survivor Tree in Oklahoma City, our relationship would be restored once again. In time, God gave the relationship new life when we reconciled, and it is stronger than ever now. I truly believe it was our "deeply rooted faith" that sustained our relationship.
If you are going through a tough time in your life and it feels like there's no hope, I pray you would not lose faith, and that God would help you through your hard time. If your faith is deeply rooted in God, I am confident that you will not be defeated by your trials and pain.
-Shane Larson
This is really awesome Kate! Steve and I enjoy reading these. I know this is a very important day for you, as it should be for all of us. I think Shane's words are inspiring. Thank you!
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