Written By: Karen Sweeney-Ryall
God mentions various flowers in the Bible. One of the things that God is speaking to us by example of the flowers is that we are each:
1) UNIQUE & BEAUTIFUL
God created the flowers to bring beauty to the earth and pleasure to us. Each flower is unique and some are very beautiful as a single bloom but many times it is more beautiful to see them put together as a bouquet or arrangement. That can be a lovely parallel to how we each come together and complement the strengths, weaknesses, gifting and needs of each other. Together we are more powerful, more complete, although individually we are also beautiful in our own way.
Like the flowers, each of us is unique in various ways. I am going to use some types of flowers to reflect on the types of woman you and I may be. Which one are you??
Some flowers are:
Early bloomers= CROCUS =Forerunner- push through conditions that hold others back – Give hope (Spring is coming)
Late bloomers – MUMS- blooms after the heat has worn others out, continuing to minister their beauty and joy to us after others have stopped.
Slow bloomer- often used in rock gardens, SEDUM eventually blooms, taking more time before releasing its potential
Long lasting- HYDRANGEA and YARROW- can actually keep on giving beyond when they seem done, by having the double purpose of being able to be used fresh or also when dried out.
Needs lots of attention in the beginning, then hardy AZALEA- needs a lot of protection before it is able to make it on its own
Delicate- ORCHID – is temperamental and bruises easily, needs ideal conditions to flourishing but is one of the most desired flowers and often used in weddings
Able to grow well in difficult conditions- IMPATIENS and HOSTAS- can bloom even without a lot of sun
Faithful- Perennials like ROSE OF SHARON and BLEEDING HEART – Comes back again and again every year
Very bright and attention getting/ Burst with color to brighten the world – ORIENTAL POPPIES
More subtle, quiet -FORGET-ME-NOTS- Don’t say “Hey look at me” but quietly do what they were created to do
Needs pruning often- ROSES and WISTERIA – have great potential but will grow wild if not controlled
Doesn’t draw attention to itself but enhances others- BABY’s BREATHE, PURPLE STATICE babies breath, roses, free moreguefile Has a beautiful, lasting aroma- ROSES – but needs lots of TLC, susceptible to disease, and has thorns
2) TO COMPLETE EACH OTHER
Do you ever feel insignificant, like God wouldn’t pick you from His garden? He doesn’t see one gifting or personality or appearance as better than another. None of us is less important to Him. We are all supposed to be different. And we are pleasing to Him if we fulfill the specific call and purpose He created us to be. We are only to be ourselves, not like someone else.
Whatever type God created you to be, it is not just for us to keep to ourselves but our beauty, our aroma, our gifting are to be used for the benefit of those around us. Just as in the bouquet, each of us is important to the whole. Even those who feel small or insignificant have a role to play. Even a beautiful rose is more breathtaking when enhanced by subtle baby’s breathe and a simple green fern. The contrast of the bright and soft colours, the larger and smaller blossoms, add to the beautiful complete bouquet.
Until Next Time,
~Karen
About Karen:
I am Karen, married to Roger, mother of Christina, Laura, Tim and Natalie, “Gigi” to 3 wonderful grandchildren and blessed to be a young great-grandma to Sophia, age 1. I am thankful to have many precious, wonderful friends.
I am a devoted follower of Jesus and my prayer is that His light shines through me and His love flows through me to others. He has carried me through the many ups and downs of life and proven to be so faithful. My desire is to share what I have learned, wisdom gained and deeper knowledge of who God is with others, allowing God to make “Beauty from Ashes” of the difficult times of my life.
I am a hospice bereavement coordinator and hope to help those who have suffered loss mourn, regroup and find joy and meaning in their life again. I love to read and am writing my first book “Revealing Your Treasure Hidden in Darkness” about finding your identity, calling and purpose for the next season of your life. I was thrilled to attend the She Speaks conference in July 2015 with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I am becoming healthier by following the Trim Healthy Mama eating plan. I love to travel to see family and friends and especially enjoy beach vacations.
Uniquely Yours Ministries 