When I first moved into my house, I was greeted by a wild, relentless forest of bamboo overtaking my backyard. Little did I know, that overgrown tangle would become a powerful reminder of how deeply unwanted roots can take hold—and what it takes to truly remove them.
After some research, I discovered that bamboo one of the most resilient plants alive because of its extensive root system. The initial bamboo plant sends out something called rhizomes--horizontal roots, that can spread a little over 3 feet each year. These rhizomes produce more bamboo shoots, which in turn grow more rhizomes which produce more bamboo shoots, and on and on it goes! Left unchecked, bamboo can quickly invade not only your yard, but your neighbor’s as well.
What amazed me was how even a small piece of rhizome, as small as my hand, could grow into a new shoot under the right conditions. I looked at my poor, overgrown yard and knew I had a battle on my hands!
That first year, I enlisted my strong son to help me dig out all the uncontained bamboo. Armed with pickaxes and sharp shovels, we spent countless hours digging out those relentless rhizomes. It took over a month of effort to clear the yard completely. We had to meticulously search for even the tiniest piece of root to make sure nothing would regrow. I didn’t plant anything in the cleared areas all summer, knowing a rhizome we missed would likely sprout back. And sure enough, when it did, I had to dig deep around it to pull every root.
The next spring, I still resisted the urge to plant, waiting to see if any bamboo would return. Shoots did emerge again, and once more, I dug out those stubborn roots. But this year, the numbers dwindled, and by the season's end, I felt confident enough to plant. Slowly, my backyard transformed from a barren wasteland to something full of life and beauty.
Did more bamboo shoots pop up? Absolutely. For the next two years, I’d get one or two shoots trying to make a comeback. Then came the year when no more shoots appeared! I finally breathed a sigh of relief, knowing I’d won the war against the bamboo, but also that I might still need to handle an occasional skirmish.
So, what does this have to do with God? Everything!
My heart and mind are like soil, too. Within that soil grow beautiful plants—strengths, qualities, talents, spiritual gifts—but also some weeds, the challenges that can choke out the good.
Galatians 5:19-21 describes some of those weeds as “repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.”
Ouch. Please don't! Those words cut deep, and those sins, left unchecked, can take root and ultimately destroy me. One little root of sin can grow into a dark forest of pain and heartache, and navigating that tangled forest can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the great news of Jesus! He is the Master Gardener, the Great I Am, who knows precisely how to remove those roots, one by one, and replace them with true life.
There were deep, ugly roots in my life that I never thought I could overcome. But God, in His goodness, took my brokenness and pain, my heartache and confusion, and transformed them into a life I’m genuinely grateful for.
Sin and weeds aren’t the end of the story. The cross is the end of the story—an eternal reminder that, no matter where we’ve been, we are still loved, seen, and valued. God is capable of restoring both my life and yours. For Galatians 5:22-23 goes on to say:
“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”
As I work to cultivate the garden of my life, my focus stays on the powerful tools God provides. He gives me spiritual truth, which unearths lies and replaces them with nourishment so I can grow. I spend time with the Master Gardener, talking and walking with my Creator as I learn to follow His ways. And I invite others into my garden, just as they invite me into theirs, so we can encourage and support each other along the way.
Change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires addressing each issue, one by one, with God’s help. Yet He continually sees me through, giving me “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3). That’s His good gift for me and for you.
Transforming my backyard wasn’t easy, and neither is transforming our hearts. But I’ve learned that growth comes from consistent, intentional effort and the wisdom of the One who knows us best. Just as I saw my yard change over time, we can trust that God is faithful to help us uproot destructive patterns and cultivate something beautiful in their place.
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT: This week, take a few moments to assess the "garden" of your life. Are there any “roots” of negative thoughts, habits, or fears that seem to keep sprouting up? Write them down and ask God for guidance in uprooting each one. Then, reflect on one or two qualities you want to see flourish, like patience or peace. As you go through your week, look for ways to nurture these qualities—whether that’s through a kind word, a patient response, or a small act of generosity. Just as a garden takes time and care, so does cultivating a life that reflects God’s love and truth. With each small, intentional step, you’re moving toward a life that blossoms with His grace.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for being the Master Gardener of my life. I ask for Your help in revealing the roots of negative thoughts, habits, and fears that keep me from living fully in Your truth. Uproot what doesn’t belong and replace it with qualities that reflect Your love—patience, peace, and compassion. Help me to be intentional in nurturing these gifts, trusting in Your strength to transform my heart. May my life grow to be a reflection of Your grace and goodness. Amen.
ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY
Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She holds Bachelor's Degrees in International History and Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Barb has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. on topics including faith, relationships, leadership, and courage through trials. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read on transformation through adversity. Her blog focuses on providing people with everyday encouragement and strength. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She and her husband currently reside in Dayton, Ohio.
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