The Power of Words

ByDani Pettrey
9 Comments

Happy Wednesday, friends! 

As authors, we deal with words, and I’d venture to say we’re enthralled with them—striving to use just the right words to convey what we want to say. I listened to a sermon the other day. It was about Caleb, his hope and finishing strong. The Israelites in the wilderness were the opposite. I don’t know about you, but I want to be like Caleb. Trusting in God in difficult times, never losing hope, and running the race strong until the end. All of this got me thinking aa about sharing a very specific word that I believe holds so much encouragement. 

The word is xerarch! Yep, it really is a word. I triple-checked. LOL! In fact, it’s a wonderful word full of deep meaning. 

The definition of xerarch is a form of plant succession starting in bare ground that is very dry or limited by water availability and eventually culminating in a mature forest. Such communities usually originate from extremely dry environments, such as rock deserts and sand dunes.

It is a mature forest that’s grown from the smallest of beginnings—a single seed. Not only that, it has to grow in the driest, arid environments.

I love the image of an empty, barren place with a plant blooming in it. A lone xerarch flower blooming in the desert is a mighty display of God’s reminder that the most beautiful things can come from the hardest of circumstances, and if we don’t give up, as Caleb didn’t give up, we can grow strong and mature. If He’s planted you in a dry place, trust that He’ll bring you to bloom.

If you are struggling to grow in a dry, hard place, trust that God is at work, and when you mature into full bloom, you will be a glorious reflection of Him to behold.

Here is a song that has spoken to me so much over the years when I’ve been in dry places. I hope it speaks to your heart today as well.

Reader Question:

What song is speaking to you right now? Are there any that fill you with hope whenever you listen to it? I’d love it if you’d share.

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Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

9 Comments

  2. Beautiful post, Dani. Thanks.

    “I Speak Jesus” is a song I find myself singing nearly every day. Particularly the following:

    Shout Jesus from the mountains
    Jesus in the streets
    Jesus in the darkness, over every enemy
    Jesus for my family
    I speak the holy name
    Jesus

  3. This has been a tough year for me too, particularly this summer, so thank you for sharing. One song that has been a blessing this past month is The Blood of Jesus Speaks for Me. I like Travis Cottrell’s version a lot.

    1. I’m so sorry it’s been a tough year. Oooooh. I’m going to check out the song right now. Thank you so much for sharing.

  4. I use music to remind me of God’s goodness, His provision, and His promises all the time.

    I can’t name just one; there are a lot that I love. 🙂 I will give you my current top 3: Counting My Blessings by Seph Schlueter
    The Goodness by TobyMac and Blessing Offor
    and Gratitude by Brandon Lake

    I hope your move is going well and that you are enjoying the adventure of it all. Have a great day, Dani!

  5. A song I cherish is You Were There All Along recorded in 1982 by Michele Pillar and Lenny LeBlanc. Back then, I struggled with God. I listened to it in tears praying, “Maybe someday God, but not now. I can’t.” 40 years later, it feels like a full circle moment when I listen to it, usually with happy tears. He was there. He is here. God is so good.

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