Naturalist Jane Goodall told the true story about a Callery pear tree that had been planted near Building 5 of the World Trade Center. Since the early 1970s each year the tree's delicate white blossoms had brought a touch of spring into a world of concrete. 

 

In 2001, after the 9/11 attack, this tree, like all the other trees that had been planted there, disappeared beneath the fallen towers. But amazingly, in October, a cleanup worker found it, smashed and pinned between blocks of concrete. It was "decapitated" and the eight remaining feet of trunk was charred black; the roots were broken; and there was only one living branch.

 

Initially, many observers thought the tree was un-salvageable. But the cleanup workers at Ground Zero persuaded an employee with the Parks Department to give the tree a chance, so it was sent off to nursery in the Bronx. When a nursery worker first saw the decapitated tree he did not think anything could save it. But once the dead, burned tissues had been cut away, and its trimmed roots deeply planted in good rich soil, the tree survived. 

 

The tree was given a new name - "Survivor."

 

In the spring of 2010 disaster struck "Survivor" again. The tree had been ripped out of the ground by a terrible storm with 100 mile per hour winds. Once again rescue workers worked together to salvage and redeem "Survivor." At first they only partially lifted the tree, packing in compost and mulch so as not to break the roots. 

 

For a long while they gently sprayed the tree with water to minimize the shock, hoping it would make it. A few weeks later they set to work to get Survivor completely upright. Again, "Survivor" was resurrected from the dead.

 

The next year "Survivor" was incorporated into the 9/11 memorial. It was planted near the footprint of the South Tower so that the traumatized side faces the public. Some people weren't pleased to have the tree back, saying that it "spoiled" the symmetry of the landscaping, as it is a different species from the other nearby trees. Indeed, it is different. On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, when the memorial site was opened to survivors and family members, many of them tied blue ribbons onto "Survivor's" branches.

 

In the same way that this tree survived through the years, I have personally known many "survivors" that have gone through horrifying circumstances in life.  I have heard their stories of abuse, pain, heartache, and loss.  Life isn't easy, and there are times when one can feel like they're going down for the last time.

 

Just like this tree, when we experience suffering, tragic pain, and debilitating loss, we must depend on the rescue efforts of another.  We have a Savior Who has experienced loss as well.  He knows what it is like to hurt, and He can be there for us when we have reached our lowest point.

 

Let me challenge you to give your pain, heartache, and loss over into Christ's care and keeping today.  "...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."       1 Peter 5:7

 

Lord, today help me to keep my focus on You, and Your ability to save.  Amen!

 

 

Have a great day and God bless!

 

 

 

Pastor Mike / The Open Word