The sequoias, or giant redwood trees, are among the largest and oldest trees in the world, and they are an amazing sight. In our travels westward, we have compared them to the Grand Canyon. Words failed us in our attempts to describe them as words failed us with the Canyon—they must be experienced firsthand. These trees can grow as high as 300 feet and can be 100 hundred feet in diameter at the base. The trees can live for thousands of years. One of the famous sequoias had a tunnel cut into it so cars could drive through—the sadly damaged tree became a tourist attraction. A recent article about these woodland giants explained that there are complete ecosystems in the upper branches of the trees. Efforts have been made in recent year to better protect these wonders of the forest.

Surprisingly, the root systems for the sequoias are rather shallow compared to their massive height and width. On a visit to one of these protected forests, it was explained to us that the roots of the trees intertwine with other trees, and they literally hold each other up. The trees grow and survive best in the forest surrounded by other redwood trees.

Over the last few weeks, we have been exploring what it means to live as a community of Christ followers, growing in love of God and neighbor. We are using the themes of our new discipleship system, Gathering, Growing, Serving, and Transforming, as a means to better understand what our life together in the faith community means. We are taught in our culture to be self-sufficient and independent, but sometimes being a part of the faith community means holding each other up, encouraging one another, and strengthening each other. We are learning that we are not meant to “go it alone” in this world, but we were created to live and be in the rich environment of community. Each day we can give thanks for our friends in faith who join us and hold us up on our journey with God.

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