 They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. What happens if your family line seems twisted with destruction, divorce, poor choices or sad endings? Are you doomed to repeat these cycles like a poor apple destined to stay close to the blighted tree? For several seasons I’ve been pondering the idea of freedom and family legacy. In my experience I have met a handful of people who look at their family and murmur, “Look at this. I’ve been dealt a bad hand.” They might even use this as an excuse why they can’t walk into freedom or why life is so hard. Is what “they” say about apples correct? I don’t think so. I think this is where the hero’s journey really begins. And yes you can be the hero of your own story, not just a puppet following what others have planned for you.  I heard a great speaker say “be the golden apple on your family tree.” That is where the inspiration of this painting was gleaned. We can become a golden apple, blessing everyone on the tree around us. I picture a golden apple as the person in the family who offers encouragement, peace and resources. They are the ones you want to spend time with. I want to be a golden apple. So how do we become one? I don’t believe it happens on accident. It takes questing, learning stewardship and keeping close to God’s Voice. There are dragon’s to slay and healing to embrace. When the hero’s journey ends and the golden apple finally falls off the tree, a new group of trees can come into being. Trees that are golden. So far for me this epic journey has been worth it. I’m sure it will be for you too.  Thoughts to Ponder: Who is the leader in your family? If you are the golden apple who can you turn to to be encouraged by? Who can you pour into in your family that also could become a golden apple? If you don’t feel like the leader or encourager in your family pick one person you are related to that you can say a kind word to today. Then do the same thing tomorrow. And the next day. Encouragement: The journey is available to you to become a golden apple and to change the direction of your family tree. Ask and you will find. Knock and God will open doors for this to become a reality. Remember, chains broken in one generation can stop slavery in the next.  "Family Tree," 24"x30", Acrylic, December 2018
|