The Oak Tree of Hope
James early demise was not in vain. As a gesture of love and fidelity towards him, his loved ones have had a tree planted as a way to honor him. Working with the city’s local parks and recreation department, Robert and Angie Morgan, close friends and neighbors of our family as they reached out to our family, selected and donated an oak tree to be given to honor James. The tree is a reminder to us that his death was not all for naught. Something good is going to come from this terrible and unfortunate incident. As the tree continues to grow we hope this ministry grows and reaches out to touch others who have undergone a similar life tragedy. The tree has been planted at one of the Lake Ponca parks, maintained by the city of Ponca City and is intended as a beacon of hope for all who come across it.
This tree is special, not only because of it being a commemoration for our beloved James. But also for what the oak tree stands for. The oak tree is a symbol of Strength, Honor and Eternity.
First and foremost the oak tree symbolizes strength with its hard wood along with its power to persevere in order to grow tall and strong. As the rain and sun help the tree to grow, so does Jesus Christ renew our strength to fight on. He gives us power to overcome our own weaknesses and the spiritual and material threats that come our way. As the wood from the oak is sturdy and resilient, this is a metaphor for hardening us to the toils and trials we will face in life.
In addition, as a symbol of honor the oak tree is a highly respected tree. Being useful for many purposes, it is renown for its reliability and durability. It is a proclamation to the glory of God. Being God’s handiwork we ought to honor Him in word and deed. For we are all made with a purpose to fulfill in life just like the oak tree.
Finally, the oak tree is a symbol of eternity. As one tree is planted, grows, and blossoms, it will surely wither away decaying in time. But it will not be the end of the oak tree as they will continually grow and be restored. All of us who love Christ are reminded that one day we will make it through the hardships of life, to spend eternity with our Lord and Savior forever.
About The Author
John Cooper
John Cooper currently works for AT&T in retail sales. His interests include physical fitness, martial arts, photography, videograph and writing.
Such a beautiful way to honor James and our Lord Jesus. What a hope we have in our Lord Jesus Christ that one day we will live with him forever and see James again! This brings to mind some beautiful scripture of the assurance for us as believers that we will never be separated from Christ’s love. Romans 8:38-39 says “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ” What a joy we have as Christians to know that Christ will never leave us nor forsake us! And that one day we will live with Him forever!