Fern VS Bamboo

so many times in life I have faced hardships, trials, death, disappointment and wondered why I was going through what I was facing. I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason and out of a tragedy comes a blessing. I have a lot of unanswered questions that may never be answered and that is ok. I take each day as a new one and know that the hardships I have faced have made me into the amazing person I am today. I truly try to walk in faith each day...

I love inspirational and motivational phrases and I love to share them to encourage others. Sometimes you hear that one phrase or that one story that resonates with you and it is like AH HA that is exactly how I feel. Sometimes that phrase or that story helps you get to the next day.

My favorite quote currently is "the plan you cannot see is greater than the circumstance you can" - that is so true and holds so much weight. We get wrapped up in the circumstance we are going through and how we are going to handle it, that we lose sight of what lies ahead and just how great it could be. Keep hope and faith that the plan you cannot see is much greater than what you are going through at the moment.

Another quote that I like is "The teacher is always quiet during the test" - you might feel alone and that God has left your side. Just remember that he promised that he would never lead us to failure but he would test us. So, it is possible you are going through a test.

What brought me to this post was the story about the Fern Vs Bamboo.... It is on many websites so I am not sure where it originated from but I wanted to share:

One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
 His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said.. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo". He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come, "God said to me. " You will rise high!"
"How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned. "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

Don't quit you are growing roots!!!
:)