Like the Roots of Redwoods

I'm not sure I'll get the chance to talk about this during my Primary lesson, so I'll talk about it here. Redwoods have shallow root structures. That is, their roots don't go very deep in the ground. Theoretically, then, Redwoods shouldn't be too hard for the wind to knock over, especially since they're tall enough to catch the stronger winds. Yet, Redwoods can stay standing for decades. Some have stood for centuries. How? By standing together.

Though Redwood root systems don't go deep, they go wide enough to intertwine with each other. In a grove of Redwoods, each tree weaves its roots among those of its neighbors, so if any tree starts to fall over, the others help it remain upright by holding on to its roots.

Similarly, when the early saints gathered in Ohio in late 1830 and early 1831, part of the reason was so they could strengthen and support each other in the faith. There was a lot of persecution at that time, and the saints needed all the support they could get, so the Lord had them gather in Ohio so they could escape the worst of the persecution and gain strength from each other. Theirs was a young church. Its roots hadn't grown very deep yet, so, like Redwoods, they grew close together to help each other stay strong.

Even now that the church has been around for almost two centuries, some individuals have deeper roots than others. Some of us have stronger testimonies and greater faith and are strong enough to stand against any trial or temptation without any outside support. But, for the rest of us, we would do well to help each other, to love each other, and to support each other. Like Redwoods, many of us need each other's strength to help us all stay strong.

I have roots like a Redwood's. I frequently need spiritual support from the Lord and from my family and friends. But I hope to also give spiritual support to others in return. None of us may have particularly deep roots, but like the Redwoods and the early saints, if we stand together and support each other, we can all, collectively, stand strong.