Hurdle #3: Rootlessness

The imagery of an air plant is a great way to look at rootlessness. Air plants adapt to the environment around them where they find themselves. Many air plants are rootless and are blown to and fro by the wind. The air plants that do have a root that shoots out, attaches itself to the tree or building it is sitting on, so it is not so easily blown away. Air plants receive its nutrients from the rain, air particles, and light to live.

Rootlessness is having no basis of stability and is focused on what you lack. You encounter unexpected and unwanted things where you feel not in control. Simple tasks in a new place can cause you to feel rootless especially if you think you should know how to accomplish the task. Your fears and worries can become magnified or intensified. The lack of community and belonging, where you are known causes you to feel rootless.

What does stability look like for you?

Gratitude is a wonderful stabilizer.

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October Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

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June Newsletter

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