Growing up in the South, I’ve always had an affinity for the Oak tree. Here in Wilmington, they line South Oleander Drive and Market Street, towering over the sidewalks. These majestic trees spread their branches and create a canopy of protection for those who travel underneath.
These trees are world renown, not only for their beauty, but for their strength as well. Their roots spread deep underneath the earth, sprawling out as wide as their branches creating a rooted foundation to weather any storm. Similarly, they are highly resistant to fungus and disease due to the tannin levels in their wood.
The Oak is resilient.
The Live Oak tree – photo courtesy of Creative Commons
You Are An Oak
In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah uses this language:
“They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.”
Have you ever considered that you have the ability to be as resilient and strong and majestic as these amazing trees?
Too often, we don’t feel like Oaks. Instead, we assume the identity of shrubs, underbrush, or the spindly pine, snapping off in the face of any resistance. Sometimes, our greed and envy within us has turned us into a vine, looking to engulf and strangle anything we can find. We leverage relationships for our gain and selfishness is our fuel, continually twisting us into oblivion.
Our identity as an Oak is challenged. We don’t withstand the storms of life and we feel defeated–uprooted, if you will. We look at others as the true Oaks of life that tower overhead.
Today I’m asking you to consider the possibility that you are an Oak.
The prophet Isaiah goes on to say:
“You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast…instead of disgrace…inheritance…all who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”
My fellow Oaks, you have an inheritance waiting.
But here’s the thing, Oaks don’t begin as sprawling wonders, they start as a simple seed, planted in rich soil, watered and fertilized with hope and confidence.
In your life, you must cultivate rich soil in which the seeds of gratitude, generosity, and achievement can grow. When I began writing my book, Redefine Rich, I realized that my soil was not as fertile as it needed to be. My heart wasn’t in the right place.
Redefine Rich is a journey through stories that have enriched my heart and prepared my soil–I believe it will be the same for you. Truthfully, this book is nothing more than a seed.
The great news is that, in time, seeds sprout forth and begin to take root.
The beginning of an Oak -Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
So, where are you today?
Are you an Oak who has lost its identity?
Are you an acorn waiting to take root?
Maybe you need the refreshing fertilizers of hope and confidence?
Wherever you are, I’m glad you’re here because you need to know there’s an Oak within you, waiting to display His splendor.
In time, there will be countless people who will rest under your branches and take shelter from their own storms. And, you will plant your acorns in their hearts and watch them become the Oaks they were created to be as well.
Be an Oak, today.
MH
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About the Author
Matt Ham is dedicated to guiding others toward rich living. His own experiences have led him to the understanding and freedom of a rich life, and through his RICH Principles he helps folks uncover true richness, identifying real treasure and discovering true joy and contentment.
His first book, Redefine Rich, is a journey of uncovering a deeper, more fulfilling life by shifting your perspective. It is available in both Kindle and paperback on Amazon: here
You can order a limited hardback version of the book at www.redefinerich.com
To contact Matt, visit www.mattham.com/speaking
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