The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
—Proverbs 24:16a NLT
One movie I came to love while growing up was “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.”
What drew me to watch it the first time was that its lead character, Francie Nolan, was a Brooklyn girl who loved reading and writing stories — just like me.
But it’s because of Francie’s pluckiness that I’ve loved it ever since.
Despite the poverty she and her family lived in, Francie was determined to learn everything she possibly could and succeed as a writer.
Unstoppable Faith (and an unstoppable tree)
Just like her favorite tree that grew outside her front door, Francie was unstoppable.
In fact, in one scene, after the city cuts the tree down, Francie’s father, in an attempt to console her, says:
..that tree’s not gonna lay down and die that easy. Look at that tree—see where it’s comin’ from? Right up out of the cement…It just couldn’t help growing so much it pushed that old cement right out of the way… They could cut that old tree right down to the ground and a root would push up some place else in the cement…
And though Mr. Nolan’s describing the tree, you and I know he may as well be talking about Francie.
Thanks to Francie and her tree, we can remember that today is Throne Day in Morocco, where they’re celebrating the anniversary of the current king’s ascension to the throne.
And we can come away encouraged rather than discouraged upon learning only 1% of the population remains Christian.
How’s that?
Because despite enduring 12 centuries of domination by a government that has forbidden Bibles, Christian evangelism and public worship under threat of torture and imprisonment, expelled all Christian missionaries and being ostracized by their neighbors, 1% of the population remains Christian.
So I’ve decided to observe Morocco Throne Day with another King in mind, by praying. Join me?
Thank You, Lord, for not giving up on the people of Morocco. Fill all of them that love You and whom You have called to be intense and unstoppable lights in that country with continued perseverance, wisdom, and hope.
Because trees are growing in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat, too.
QUOTES FOR CREATIVES BY CREATIVES
🌳STRENGTH THAT GROWS THROUGH TRIALS
Here’s timeless encouragement to rise and stand again, no matter how many times you fall. It’s through struggle that we grow strong.
There’s a tree that grows in Brooklyn. Some people call it the Tree of Heaven. No matter where its seed falls, it makes a tree which struggles to reach the sky. It grows in boarded-up lots and out of neglected rubbish heaps. It grows up out of cellar gratings. It is the only tree that grows out of cement. It grows lushly … survives without sun, water, and seemingly without earth…
—Author Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
“All my work is meant to say, ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.’ In fact, the encountering may be the very experience which creates the vitality and the power to endure.”
—Poet and Author Maya Angelou, Maya Angelou: A Hymn to Human Endurance
“Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it.”
—Artist, Poet, and Philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, The Collected Poems and Plays of Rabindranath Tagore
THE FLAVOR TRAIL
🍊🍊MOROCCAN ORANGES
Millions of festive Moroccans have spent the day stuffing their faces with goodies in celebration of their king. So, it’s only fitting that you should stuff yours with a few treats in remembrance of ours.
Here’s a simple recipe for Moroccan Oranges, an irresistibly sweet treat that originated in Morocco.
I hope it becomes a favorite go-to for a quick and refreshing dessert.
Bon appétit! Talk again soon!
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