Sunday, January 11, 2015

An Applicable Poem

I heard this poem given in a CES devotional by Elder M. Russell Ballard (Follow the Doctrine and Gospel of Christ, 7 Nov. 2010). I have found that it can apply to anyone and everyone, but it has special significance to me.  Perhaps you'll see why.

“The Oak Tree” by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.


A mighty wind blew night and day. 
It stole the oak tree’s leaves away, 
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark 
Until the oak was tired and stark.


But still the oak tree held its ground 
While other trees fell all around. 
The weary wind gave up and spoke, 
“How can you still be standing, Oak?”


The oak tree said, “I know that you 
Can break each branch of mine in two, 
Carry every leaf away, 
Shake my limbs, and make me sway.


But I have roots stretched in the earth, 
Growing stronger since my birth. 
You’ll never touch them, for you see, 
They are the deepest part of me.


Until today, I wasn’t sure 
Of just how much I could endure. 
But now I’ve found, with thanks to you, 
I’m stronger than I ever knew.”



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