The Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve can be found along the East Coast from Maryland to Florida and inland west as far as Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. Botanists report this particular lily species could have been growing in this expansive region for thousands of years. This flower has survived the encroachment of humans since America began its colonization. Some of these colonies cover up to ten acres with one hundred plants per square foot. Because of their strength and unity in growing together, these lilies have not only survived the centuries but have thrived.
No coincidence that populations of these flowering plants are known by the same word as people groups. One of Merriam Webster’s definitions for colony is: “a group of individuals with common characteristics or interests situated in close association.” As women who follow Christ, He is our “common characteristic and interest that situates us in close association.” This is exactly why when Christian women meet for the first time, we can have an immediate common foundation and heart connection. We are indeed a flowering colony in Christ!
Over the years I have come to understand that the Lord is a God of relationships. So many times I have seen how He has grafted me Community in Colonies characteristics or interests situated in close association.” As women who into His own colonies. When He connects any of us in this way, these become the people that “we do life with” to navigate callings, family, friends, careers, and all our circles of influence.
The Women in Our World are the other lilies in the field growing near us, around us, and connected to us. The God of the lily in its beautiful, breathtaking extensive colonies is our God, too.
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
Ephesians 4:2-4 NLT
The Message Bible offers verses 4 and 6 of Ephesians 4 as: You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. . . . Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
With the women in your own circles, you walk together through the good and the bad because you know you are traveling on the same road in the same direction. You stay together by praying for one another, serving, and supporting each other. With the women in your colony, you can sense you are “permeated with Oneness” in Christ.
Roots
When you first began to follow Christ, who were the women God placed in your life to help you find your place in His colony?
Blooms
Today, who are the women that God has given you to help find their place in His colony?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful, amazing colony You have placed me inside to grow and bloom, Blooms Today, who are the women that God has given you to help find their place in His colony?to support and strengthen my sisters. Guide me in my ministry among the women in my world to show and share You with those who desperately need Your life in theirs. In Jesus’ name, amen.
