Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Trees (12/05/05)
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TITLE: Angel Oak | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kym Gordon Moore
12/11/05 -
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“An old oak tree,” she answered.
“A tree? We came all the way out here to see a tree?”
“Yes, a tree.”
“But, we have a bunch of trees around our house. A tree is a tree. You’re pulling my leg right? We really didn’t drive out here just to see a tree?”
“Yes, a tree.” Mind you, Charleston did not present the type of big city entertainment like New York. For the most part, our line of entertainment was historically driven.
Mom kept walking and as we approached this “tree” my mouth dropped opened as I stopped and gazed at that towering live oak. The branches and limbs seemed to dance fluidly from the massive trunk. Its magnetism coerced your hands to caress the coarse surface of bark. I was completely mesmerized. Some children looking up with their heads reared back and mouths wide opened whispered softly, “Wow!” The fascination of standing in front of this beautiful Angel Oak made me respond the same way. You just couldn’t look at it. You had to touch it. Interestingly everyone standing and walking around it did that.
People were taking pictures on the massive limbs that rested on the ground. The gigantic canopy of foliage shielded you from intense rays of the scorching summer sun. I learned that the Angel Oak is reported to be in excess of 1,400 years old. I estimated that the life of this single tree covered at least 45 generations. Incredible!
The biblical symbolism of trees represents prominent men and leaders that stand above the grass; the masses of mankind. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” -Psalm 1:3 (KJV) This passage reminds me of a song we always sang in church:
We shall not be
We shall not be moved
We shall not be
We shall not be moved
Just like a tree that’s planted by the wa-ters
We shall not be moved.
Walking away, now that our family field trip was over, I glanced back to look at the Angel Oak once more. It appeared to be waving at me. I noticed people were actually waving at it as they left and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to do the same.
Throughout centuries of existence, how did it withstand hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and environmental infestations that could have destroyed it? What was its secret for enduring the test of time? Why is it called The Angel Oak? I have no idea why. Perhaps it’s because this tree has an angelic presence that emits a halo of strength, comfort, protection, unspoken love and is firmly planted to touch the lives of all who reach out and touches it.
Since that day, I don’t take the importance and symbolism of trees for granted. It’s been years since I’ve seen that magnificent Angel Oak. As I drive through the mountains during the Fall season and notice the warm palette of foliage cascading along the rolling hillsides, I wonder if an “Angel Oak” lives among this natural graffiti wonderland.
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I'm not sure about your choice of the word "graffiti" in the last sentence.
Very good devotional!