“The ability to withstand great strain without tearing or breaking; strong and resilient: a tough all-weather fabric” is the dictionary definition of being tough. Many a landscaper and gardener will unhappily confirm that this well describes the weed.
From time to time people ask why the Bright Tomorrows symbol is a flower and a common daisy at that. Experts refer to the United States English Daisy as a common, often weedy flower. This ignoble flower reminds me of the ordinary one that Jesus Christ observed growing wild in the fields of his day—the lily. The Greek word source for the word lilies means wildflowers.
Whatever the flower looked like that Jesus Christ of Nazareth observed and chose to elevate in status, it was generally recognized as but a humble garden-variety wildflower. Jesus challenged his audience to pay particular attention to this flower and to note how beautifully it adorned and graced the grassy fields (Matthew 6: 25-34). Today we no longer think of lilies as common flowers—the common weed chosen by Jesus has become the uncommon flower of choice.
Daisies seemingly exist to reflect glory. It is almost as though they know that they are picked and planted for a purpose. The improbable terrain that many daisies find themselves planted in requires a deep rooting in order to achieve an upward shooting through encrusted and even rocky topsoil. William Shakespeare wrote that “perseverance… keeps honor bright.” Breaking through the perseverant tough daisy weed, with its brilliant yellow center orb and radiating ray petals, claims its place in the sun.
Many, given painful and even cruel experiences in life, have felt picked upon, perhaps you have too. However, the more we dwell upon the idea that we have been picked out by the love of God to live a life of purpose, the less put upon we feel. The more we listen and learn, the more we find ourselves, by grace, converting our challenges into opportunities for personal growth, development, and service to others. Such intentional rooting produces “tough-as-weeds” staying power. The deeper our roots the more resiliently we are able to cooperate with optimizing our wellness status.
“…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).
Tim Reside is the President of Bright Tomorrows. Tim has completed 108 credit hours of study in Practical Theology, inclusive of 36 hours at the doctoral level, and holds an M.A. in Practical Theology. Tim has been successfully coping with and overcoming bipolar illness since 1979.