Tree in the Forest

John and I were biking the Arizona Trail when we saw this tree in the forest. We thought that it was a true image of many of us recently- showing visible signs of going through trials. 

We need to hold tight to what we know is True. Then we can not only make it through, but be better people than we were before this crazy year began. God tells us not to be surprised by trials, they will come. How will we respond in those trials? 

• "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. 
  
• "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31. 
• “We learn more in the darkness than we do in the light. We grow stronger in affliction than when the sun is shining and all is well. Out of weakness we discover God’s strength." Dr. Ray Pritchard. 
• “The only thing evil can't stand is forgiveness. Each one of us is precious, we have value in this life." Fred Rogers