Faith Like a Dandelion

What is your view on dandelions? Are you quick to pull out those pesky weeds, or are you indifferent about allowing the yellow flower to decorate your yard? Are you an avid dandelion root tea drinker, or are you just learning for the first time that from the flower to the root, dandelions are a powerhouse of nutrients safe for human consumption? 

Growing up on a farm, lawn care always came second to field work. By the time the spring planting was complete and the first crop of hay was baled, the front lawn finally got some attention. But not in time to keep the dandelions under control. Not that anyone really minded! 

My sisters and I would gather bouquets of dandelions to decorate the kitchen table or pop off the flowers and make necklaces or bracelets from the stems. One year, my mother embraced the field of yellow that was once our front lawn. She sent her daughters out to pick buckets and buckets of dandelions and tried her hand at making dandelion wine. 

Her attempted adventure is a conversation for another day!

Now that I live in a residential neighborhood, I am learning the yellow flowers I once loved are unwelcome! It is a common scene to catch homeowners on their knees pulling dandelions. As someone who has participated in this never-ending task, it feels impossible to keep up. 

A dandelion seed can travel as far as 5 miles and establish itself almost anywhere. Dandelions are highly adaptable, and even in less than perfect growing conditions, they manage to thrive. Their deep roots allow them to reach water and nutrients deep within the soil, which makes them tough and remarkably resilient! 

Join me for a moment as we compare the dandelion to the early christian faith.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the apostles embarked on a mission to spread the truth and beauty of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for sins, His triumph over death, and His resurrection. Unlike a dandelion seed that merely drifts along the road, they journeyed across the world! They conveyed a message of repentance, love, and acceptance. While they offered themselves as instruments for the Lord, it was God who brought about growth.

 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. -1 Corinthians 3:7

In some parts of the world, this message was received. Christianity was wanted! It became an essential element of people's lives! Once the seed of Christian living was planted, it sprouted, blossomed, and eventually spread. With each soul that encountered the rich message of love, more and more seeds were planted until eventually there was a blooming field of Christian living! 

Unfortunately, in other places, it was rejected. Christianity was inconvenient. It was quickly removed and wasn't given the opportunity to grow or bloom. Additionally, those who did accept the apostolic message, were persecuted or chastised. It was unsafe to be a ‘dandelion’. It was unsafe to believe in Jesus Christ. 

Thank goodness for the remarkable resilience of the early Christian believers. These individuals, who faced immense trial and tribulations, demonstrated a steadfast commitment to their faith which is the same faith we proclaim today!

There are still Christian dandelions facing similar persecution, social rejection, and personal sacrifice to this day BUT let us cling to the commission of the early church! Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." May our faith endure for generations to come!

Jesus, Our Living Savior and the Master Gardener of our souls, we thank You for all that You have done and we praise You for all that you will do! Increase our faith so we may spread Your Love one seed at a time!

Until next time, your sister in Christ,

Abby