Several limbs of our backyard cherry tree, severely damaged during a storm, hang low to the ground. Through the winter months, the tree looked lonely, bedraggled, wounded–maybe even doomed. Plans were to have the tree removed ~ come springtime. With primary limbs suffering so much damage, the hopes of this tree’s survival appeared slim.

Blossoms, however, began to explode over night; a testimony to life…a testimony that things are not always as they seem. Out of the midst of a storm came new life. From brokenness to strength. From ugliness to beauty. These pale pink blossoms are speaking loudly: ‘Sap flows freely through my limbs!’

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord.” [Psalm 31:24]

These cheerful blossoms are markers of victory on the other side of adversity. Storms will come ~ often leaving brokenness in its path. But, “Cheer up! Take courage if you are depending on the Lord.” [verse 24, Taylor]

The tree will never look the same again. It’s been marked by resurrection life, testifying to our Living God! Joy comes in the morning!