Fruit of the Spirit 9-Week Yoga Series

On October 8, 2020December 4, 2020 By Heather Wiest9 Comments

This year has proven how CRAZY this world is, and how things can change in a heartbeat. God has been prompting me to increase the fruit of the Spirit in my life — divine love in all its varied expressions — and to encourage others in these qualities. Our world will be a much better place when our hearts, minds, and souls are rooted in LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL.

Please join me for this 9-week yoga series exploring each fruit of the Spirit beginning Friday, October 9, 2020. Click my class schedule to join locally in-person or from anywhere via ZOOM at Moment of Truth Healing Space.

Galatians 5:22-23, The Passion Translation 22–23 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

Galatians 5:22-23, Amplified Bible 22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

FRUIT = karpos (Greek) = can be translated “harvest.”

SPIRIT = pneuma (Greek) = breath, wind, Holy presence of God on earth

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT = harvest of breath—the Holy presence of God; divine love in all its varied expressions, limitless

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing.” John 15:5, The Message

“You can identify them by their fruit, that is by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” Matthew 7:16-20, New Living Translation

OPENING MEDITATION FOR EACH FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Think of a time you experienced complete ____________.
It may be a recent happening, or from the past.
Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.
Feel all the emotions.
What sensations do you feel in the body?
Where do you feel these sensations?
Label your emotions with one word.
Label the sensations felt with one word.
Tuck these words deep into your memory account of ____________.

CLOSING MEDITATION FOR EACH FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of ____________. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.”
(Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)

“And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.” Ephesians 3:16-17, The Passion Translation

Reverse Bucket List — 50 Years of Reflection & Gratitude

On October 2, 2020October 2, 2020 By Heather Wiest

Do you have a bucket list of all the things you’d love to try, do, or experience? Maybe consider a reverse bucket list. Reflecting upon your life—remembering all of the things you have accomplished, honoring special memories, and recalling life lessons learned along the way. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so here is my reverse bucket list of reflection and gratitude for my 50th birthday. May this be a sweet memoir of fun facts and treasured memories for my precious family and dear friends. #loveserveinspire #50thbirthday

Became a Yuman! Born in Yuma, Arizona on October 2, 1970. I’m Heather Taylor Wiest, and I am a miracle. A testament of God’s unrelenting love and grace, a chosen instrument (Jeremiah 1:15). I am the youngest of five biological siblings, and the only one to live past infancy. Every breath of life has a purpose. Read more in The Door Knocker.
Heart of Exploration —1970’s — I learned my love of exploring from my Dad as we hiked the arroyos and canyons of Arizona when I was a little girl, as well as traveling through the Ozarks of Arkansas visiting my paternal grandparents’ 200 acre farm during summer and winter vacations.
Love of Flying —1974 & 1978 — Flew across the pond with my Mom to visit family in England and the Highlands of Scotland, her native country. Ask me about our emergency landing at London Heathrow Airport without landing gear! Fearlessly, I still love to fly and travel.
Physical Healing —1976 — Developed Tuberculosis and completely recovered a year later. Thank you, God, for early detection, modern medicine, and healing.
Spiritual Salvation — I asked Jesus into my heart July 9, 1978 (age 7) during a children’s Sunday School class in Mansfield, Arkansas. I was visiting my paternal grandparents during the summer while my parents were going through a divorce. I am forever grateful for my grandparents’ prayers and influence on my life. Read more in Making A Difference—The Power of One about the influence of my late paternal grandfather, Samuel M. Taylor.
The Bunk Window —1978-1980 — My pet cat, Lady, was my best friend as life became chaotically transient with my Mom and step-dad. We moved every few months throughout Arizona, living in a 30-foot travel trailer, and I even spent time in a Child Protective Services shelter. I remember often crying as I gazed out my small bunk window, praying to God, as Lady purred to comfort me. God was faithful to answer my prayers over time. I am grateful for so many cleansing and healing tears over the years. “You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle—not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance.” Psalm 56:8 TPT
Culture Shock —1980-1982 — Living in Nogales and Yuma, Arizona with my Dad and blended family. I’m grateful for this time of bonding with my step-family, learning Spanish, and being immersed into the Hispanic community and culture. Reflecting back, childhood depression continued to present itself due to all the traumatic events I had experienced.
Many Firsts — Jr. High 1982-1984 — I found a bit of stability as I moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1982 with my Mom and step-dad. I met my first best friend, Jenny, became involved in school (pom line), and fell in love for the first time—thank you, Jody, for being such a great neighbor and boyfriend—sharing all of life’s highs and lows with me.
Rededication — During junior high, I began attending church with my best friend and her family, rededicating my life to the Lord. Thank you, Jenny, for caring so deeply, and loving quirky me! I began reading the Bible and learned more about Jesus, His Love for me, His character, and the power of the Holy Spirit within me. I was transforming from the inside out! The Bible still is the tender voice of God to my soul.
The Door Knocker — At the age of 15, with the support of my Dad and dear friends, I left home and began life as an independent teen. Tough love encouraged me to establish safer boundaries. I cautiously tapped another door knocker—one of release, hope, and opportunity (Matthew 7:7).
Some of the BEST years! — High School 1984-1988 — One of the best seasons of my life, filled with JOY moments! I lived with two amazing families, the Rundio’s and Rehfeldt’s, as an independent teen. I loved being a part of marching band/color guard, dated Charlie for three fun, healing years—all the laughter, tears, long talks, dreams, day trips, dates, dances, proms, and wonderful lifelong friendships—thank you, Chaz. I also held jobs at a medical office and at Sunrise Preschool to save money for a car.
Top 1% — During my senior year at Greenway High School, I placed in the top 1% of my class. I remember working so hard for this. With the help of my guidance counselor and mentor, Mr. Sheets, I was awarded a full tuition scholarship to Grand Canyon University (Grand Canyon College at the time). Fun fact: During my last month of high school I contracted mononucleosis, strep throat, and chickenpox all at the same time! I had to take my finals at home, and graduate with chickenpox marks all over me. A lesson learned in the importance of getting rest and keeping your immune system strong.
Lopes Up! — GCU 1988-1992 — So many amazing memories of living on-campus in the apartments with dear friends and roommates, buying my first car (1981 green Honda Accord), began dating Jon in 1989, and working for Washington Elementary School District, as well as for a group home for sexually abused children and teens.
Baptized May 19, 1991 (20 years old) at Calvary Community Church in Phoenix, Arizona. A public declaration of faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Continental Singers Tour — Summer 1991— I traveled the U.S. and throughout France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, and Germany as a light technician for the Continental Singers. Three months of unique experiences, memories, and growth as a 20 year old. Diana, thank you for being by my side, and getting lost with me in Paris!
Washington High School — After graduating GCU in 1992, I landed an epic job as a high school Social Worker. I worked for Glendale Union High School District for 11 school years. I treasure this season of my life so much, and still stay in contact with many previous students, families, and staff. I’m beyond grateful that every experience I personally went through as a child and teen helped me effectively relate to and counsel clients.
Marriage Proposals — I was proposed to twice—ask Jon! May 1992 on a beach in California, and December 1992 in snowy Munds Park, Arizona — and I said “YES!”
Just Married! — Joyfully married my forever love, Jon Wiest, on July 9, 1993 at Calvary Community Church in Phoenix, Arizona. I just recently realized this was 15 years to the date after I was saved…see #5. I love this God blessing! We honeymooned for a week traveling up the Pacific Coast Highway…ahhh…a little bit of heaven on earth.
First Home — Purchased and moved into our first home in Glendale, Arizona in January 1994.
Summer Vacation 1995 Tour — Traveled with Jon’s band, Michelangelo & The Difference, across the U.S., and then Jon & I flew to London and drove throughout England and Scotland to visit family and site see. What a blessing to see my Grannie (maternal grandmother) one last time before she passed.
Rock Bottom — On my bed one evening in March 1997, crying alone before God in my dark wilderness (disordered eating behaviors for almost 17 years), I experienced the most frightening chest pain. Was I having a heart attack? What this the end? 911? I entreated the Lord for grace and audibly heard these words OUT OF NOWHERE: “Be anxious for nothing. My peace, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Find Me wholeheartedly.” Immediately a beautiful light, a glowing embrace, tenderly dissipated the gripping pain. In awe, I rested. Read more in The Illusion of Control.
Master’s in Social Work 1997— Earned my MSW Degree from Arizona State University after four long years of part-time study, 60 credit hours, and two 500-hour internships.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker 2000 —I will never let this license lapse after 3200 clinical supervision hours (thank you, Jackie), plus ongoing continuing education and license fees!
Havasupai Falls 2000 — I hiked and camped in glorious Havasupai Falls, Arizona with a group of Washington High School students. What an amazing experience being in this beautiful area of God’s creation! Pictures do not do it justice.
Victoria B.C. 2000 — Jon and I enjoyed a fun, relaxing vacation in Western Canada.
Savasana Shifts — In 2001, at 30 years old, I stepped into my first yoga class at a local gym. I was faithful at working out to stay in shape, and to relieve stress from my social work career, but something about the dim lit yoga room drew me. It was love at first savasana!
Became a Momma! — Madeline Ayr arrived December 4, 2002 and Mackenzie Skye later came April 21, 2005. Notice the reverse sister birth dates…12-4 and 4-21…this is too cool!
Moved into our current home — January 2006 — So many cherished memories here.
Mom Life Loves — MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers), MIP (Mom’s In Prayer), Women’s Bible Studies, school volunteering, playdates, and field trips. Amazing support networks! Thank you, sweet Auburn, for continuing to pray with me for our children weekly.
Two of the TOUGHEST years 2007-2008 — My step-dad, George, went from independent living to dying, and our daughters had 4 combined major surgeries. Read more about my relationship with George in Answer the Call and Veteran’s Day 2007. Forgiveness set me free from resentment and bitterness. All the trauma, hurt, and challenges were worth it. 30 years of my life invested in his life mattered.
15th Wedding Anniversary in Maui, Hawaii 2008 — Our first big trip without the kids!
Another TOUGH year 2009 — Jon’s grandmother and father passed away within six weeks of each other. We learned that an extended family vacation to Florida with grieving loved ones was not the best idea. I learned more about “giving space” and letting loved ones heal in their own way and time. This year reinforced, once again, to never take life for granted.
Our Favorite Family Vacation EVER! — 2011 Kauai, Hawaii — Snorkeling in sunny Poipu, kayaking Wailua River to Secret Falls, and hiking the scenic Napali Coast. Witnessing our children having the time of their lives in nature. Priceless.
Life Changing Moments —Yoga Teacher Trainings and Healing Arts Journey began in 2012.
Epic 20th Wedding Anniversary Trip! — 2013 — Two weeks exploring New York City, London, Paris, and Rome. Created a life time of sweet memories with my forever love (and yoga photos!)
Created a website — 2015 —Started Love Serve Inspire website and blog. I began sharing my life story via writing. Share Your Shift.
Crete R.E.T.R.E.A.T. — May 2016 — Completed my 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in stunning Crete, Greece! Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before.
Boundless In Bulgaria — August 2016 — Filmed in yoga class videos with Udaya Entertainment and participated in the Udaya Live Yoga and Music Festival at a beautiful ski resort area of Bulgaria. I am boundless. I am indeed firmly grounded, yet free!
Answer The Call — 2016 — Became a published contributing author.
Present Moment R.E.T.R.E.A.T. — April 2017 — Collaborated with my dear friend, Hanan, to create amazing yoga retreat experiences. Reconnect. Explore. Tune In. Relax. Engage. Appreciate. Take Away. Our first yoga retreat was in Troncones, Mexico.
Another Amazing Family Vacation! — July 2017 — One tremendous week of site seeing in New York City. We even watched Fourth of July fireworks in a boat on the Hudson River!
EXPANSION — My word for 2018 — Our family traveled together to Columbia for a Mission Trip with Compassion International. Read more in Capturing Columbia.
It’s All About The Little Things — Belize August 2018 — Life is about the unexpected details, those present moments, the little things that often become the big things.
I Love You, Mom — May 2, 2018 — The night after my Mom, Joyce, suddenly passed, her overwhelming presence energetically blanketed me with love. She gently stroked my hair and whispered, “All is well. I’m with Jesus.” Oh, how I thank God for this sweet assurance. Amazing grace runs deep. Read more in Joyce Moments.
25 Drops Of Glue For Sticking Together in Marriage — July 9, 2018 — Jon and I celebrated our Silver Anniversary in stunning Sedona, Arizona. How do we continue to live happily ever after? Some great tips in the blog! We are blessed to be SYMBIS Assessment Facilitators and Marriage Mentors. Find ways to invest in others.
Snorkeling in Belize — May 2, 2019, on my Mom’s one year death anniversary. I knew she would be proud of me. She always said, “You are so brave, Heather!”
Santa Fe with Papa — September 2019 — We drove Gil, my mom’s third husband, to visit his family for the last time before he passed away November 4, 2019. We are grateful for God’s timing in all things.
Fierce Faith France Yoga Retreat — September 2019 — This vacation was extra-special as my niece, Brittanie, joined me in exploring Paris and Southern France. A trip of a lifetime!
Created Love Serve Inspire YouTube Channel — March 26, 2020 — Read more in How Quarantine Stretched Me.
Embrace Change — the only constant. I’ve learned to allow, and give space for change. I am wiser from mistakes made in relationships, and grateful for the opportunities to seek and extend forgiveness. I’ve accepted friendships that were ready to end, and I’m open to those just beginning or rekindling. I am not the same person I was 20 years ago—or even 5 years ago. I intend to keep moving forward by God’s grace and divine guidance. “Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:13-14 MSG

What will my next 50 years be like? God only knows, but I’m going to totally enjoy today and all the present moments made. Cherish yesterday. Dream tomorrow. Live today. Thank you, God, for the miracle of life!

No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus by Steffany Gretzinger

No one ever cared for me like Jesus
His faithful hand has held me all this way
And when I'm old and grey
And all my days are numbered on the earth
Let it be known in you alone
My joy was found
Oh my joy, my joy

Let my children tell their children
Let this be their memory
That all my treasure was in heaven
And you were everything to me

Autumn Aspirations 🍁

On September 22, 2020September 20, 2021 By Heather Wiest

The Autumn equinox is the moment where our days and nights find equilibrium, marking the start of a seasonal shift. We take this time to reflect upon the past few months and the lessons learned along the way.

A new season is a great time to set some new intentions for your life.

❦ What has been coming up for you in the last days, weeks, months?

❦ What isn’t serving you, what do you want to let go of?

❦ What new intentions do you want to bring forth and cultivate?

You don’t have to fear change. What you need to fear, a friend once told me, is things remaining the same. When that happens, life has stopped. Your life is constantly, quietly evolving each moment into something new, something different, something that adds gracefully, beautifully, and perfectly to what was.
Melody Beattie

Autumn is referred to as a Vata (air) season, which means the presence of air and space is more noticeable in and around us. You may feel more light, carefree, creative, or even spacey and scattered. We harmonize this by learning to go with the flow more — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As we practice letting things come and go, it is a particularly good time to remind ourselves to breathe deeply. The heart and lungs are a focus of this season, and the breath flowing through helps make space for the release of whatever the heart is holding to tightly, or resisting. Autumn is a very special time to make space around and in the heart. Step out of your tension, out of your fear. Laugh. Lighten up. Loosen up. Change your energy. Relax until you find the flow. Relax until you find your rhythm, until you feel life’s rhythm again.

In order to protect ourselves from taking on any negative energy from other people or situations; we can learn to SHIELD. There are times when you may find that being around certain individuals or groups of people leaves you with feelings of discomfort. It may be that spending time with a particular friend feels draining or that dealing with a specific coworker exhausts you. Being around toxic or angry people is also draining. And you may even find that being surrounded by a crowd of people lowers your energy levels rather than perks you up. This is not that unusual. Each of us radiates energy and is capable of being influenced by the energy of other people. It is important to learn how to shield yourself, so you don’t unknowingly take on someone else’s energy.

There are a number of ways to avoid being affected by people’s energy. SHIELDING is one preventative technique you can use. Center yourself and envision being enveloped in a cocoon of loving and protective light. This protective layer should allow you to consciously regulate the energy around you. The intent to shield oneself is all you need for this technique to work. You can even create a TRIGGER WORD to assist you in quickly creating a shield. Say this word each time you create a new shield, until the word and the shield become automatically associated in your mind.

While it is important to know how to shield yourself from energy, there are those energies that you may not want to shut out. The energy of laughter from a newborn baby, the feeling of joy radiating from someone in love, and the frequency of calm emanating from a mentor are just some of the energies coming from others that you may want to have around you.

Adapted from Taking on the Energy of Others, by Madison Taylor

Maybe Not by Danna Faulds

Begin somewhere. Take one deep breath and dive. Plunge into the core of your most persistent fear or your greatest joy. Grow comfortable with the act of exploration. Well, maybe not comfortable, but confident of your ability to be sure footed on slick rocks, steady while the winds gust. Well, maybe not entirely confident, but willing to set out despite persistent doubts, breathing your way into whatever you are facing. Well, maybe not even all that willing, but you take it anyway, that first step into the unknown. Courage is starting where there is no secure outcome, no sure result. The secret is you can begin again at any time. Take one deep breath and dive.

God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on, and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting ways—the path that brings me back to you. ~ Psalm 139: 23-24 TPT

I am at peace in the midst of change. I am listening to my heart and soul — creating space for new intentions — breathing deep and diving in. I remain completely relaxed and receptive regardless of the end result. My body is light, my mind is at peace, and my heart is unconditionally open.

Shine On ☆

On September 18, 2020August 30, 2021 By Heather Wiest

Be all you can be.

“Step out into the night air. Look at the stars. See how they shine. Know that it is okay for you to shine too. Who told you you had to hold back? Who told you your gifts, your talents, your beauty—your natural, beautiful, loving, delightful self—was wrong? Who told you not to be all you could be? Maybe, as some suggest, we’ve gotten too comfortable focusing on our flaws, our errors, our dark side. Perhaps it’s not our dark side we fear. Perhaps we’re really afraid of our gifts, our brilliance, our light. Now is a time of light. It’s time for us to shine. We’ve worked hard on ourselves, dealt with our issues, gone back to the past. We’ve learned our lessons well. The reasons to hold back and hide away are no longer there. Enjoy the fruits of your labors. Be all you can be, and enjoy being that. Don’t hold back. Use your gifts with joy. Use your talents. Let your light shine for all the world to see. Finally, you are free to be all that you are and can be.” ~Melody Beattie, Journey to The Heart

Shine Lyrics by Jason Mraz

Once upon a time there was a meeting of minds
The sun and the moon made a deal with the sky
One would take the morning and the other the night
Together they would blanket the world with light
But the moon had a shadow, he felt like a liar
The sun was the only one who carried the fire
The sun saw this, she kept on glowing
Bound to the moon, never saying, “you owe me”

She said I’ll shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you

I keep a lamp over you, glowing in my heart
To keep from tripping over troublesome thoughts in the dark
We ain’t that different, we huddle underneath the same stars
I see who you really are
You’re every creature, every man, every woman and child
You’re the closest thing I’ll ever get to knowing God
Like the sun to the moon, I’ll send my love and light
A love like ours, it’ll fill the whole sky

I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine, shine, shine on you

Think of the people that you love the most
Send them your light and hold them close
Say I will shine on you, I will shine on you
No matter the distance, the space, or the time
Love travels in the speed of light
I will shine on you, I will shine on you
I will shine on you, I will shine on you

And if we forget we are the chosen ones
Turn your eyes to the attention of the morning sun
Wherever you go, however you move
The light is gonna shine directly to you
Let it shine on you (shine on you)
Let it shine on you (shine on you)
Let it shine on you (shine on you)
Yes I’m gonna shine on you
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine, shine, shine on you

Light Meditation

Visualize a tiny light somewhere in the distance. The light may take any form you can imagine. It could be the glowing aura of a candle, a light bulb, a flashlight, a streetlight, any light that enters your awareness. Begin to move toward that light. It may be clear, or obscured by a misty fog that creates an aura around it. As you get closer and closer, the light becomes more significant and more brilliant. Keep your mind focused on the light and feel it growing brighter as you approach nearer and nearer to it, now surrounding you entirely.

Imagine that the Spirit is at the center of the light, and so, all of the Wisdom and Holiness of God are also in that light, which is presently glowing intense and white. Now move into the center of the light and feel it enter your being, moving all around and through you. Feel the presence of Divine Love within it, and realize it is your love. Feel the embrace of the Spirit all around and through you. Surrender to the Love, and become one with it. Savor the presence and the warm embrace as you connect with Love. Understand it will always be with you. Relax, knowing you are one.

Now, feel all the light that was surrounding you, and flooding through you, begin to gather inside your being, as if you are a magnet, pulling all that light inside, so that you become the light itself. You are a being of pure light. You contain God, the Spirit, and the entire essence of Love. Now, collect all the light together, allowing it to focus in the center of your heart space where it settles and glows with the same intensity. You deeply rest, renew, recharge, and radiate.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~ Marianne Williamson

Survivor Story

On September 11, 2020September 11, 2021 By Heather Wiest

In 2013 and 2017, I was blessed to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City — both incredibly moving experiences. One of the amazing stories to come out of the 9/11 tragedy is that of the Survivor Tree. A poem written by Faith A. Johnson describes it well:

The Survivor Tree

A miracle of botany, human spirit, and community,
In face of great adversity,
Back to life and breathing free,
It is known as the Survivor Tree.

Buried under twisted steel,
Determined branches hands could feel
Its blackened trunk, leaves no more,
And yet some life inside its core.

Where once its blossoms did embrace,
A Callery Pear showcased this place,
Where towers stood and life was loud,
A city and a country proud.

October day, the tree was found,
Amidst confusion, sadness sounds,
Came hopeful plans to nurse the tree,
Back to vibrant life, healthy.

And so it was that Callery Pear,
Moved to the Bronx, now home was there,
Cleaned of ash, cushioned in soil,
Human hands would gently toil.

To bring the tree back its life,
Overcoming hurts and strife,
Just as our country proving strong,
The tree grew tall, with branches long.

And next to it, a flag did fly,
Reminding all that dreams don’t die,
Our roots of freedom running deep,
Our nation’s strong, and memories keep.

Of loved ones lost, forever gone,
Yet, in our hearts, love carries on.
A Callery Pear, Survivor Tree,
Came back to where it used to be.

It reaches high into the sky,
And to the heavens leads our eyes,
Grow strong, our dear Survivor Tree,
For our America, Land of the Free.

Oftentimes, stories like this hit a heart string. We all have a survivor story. What have you overcome? Are you currently in the midst of a struggle or a change? Choose persistence, choose peace, choose strength, choose faith, hope, and love. You are a survivor and will come out thriving! Cultivate the seed that was placed in you until the last small twig has grown.

Bamboo lives underground for five years before it is seen by anyone. It spends five years cultivating a complicated weave of roots in the dirt, until it knows, without a doubt, it is strong enough to sustain the elements of the world. It knows it’s bamboo from the moment the seed plants in the earthly womb, yet is patient as it develops slowly and steadily. One day, when the preparation is complete, the bamboo sprouts — and swiftly shoots up in the air 82 feet! We are like bamboo — strong and resilient — rising beautifully in time.

Be inspired by a piece of my survivor story, The Door Knocker. ❤️

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” ~ Kahil Gibran