In the midst of transition, our family has talked a lot about our roots. We’ve said things like “we have deep roots in Western New York.” We recognize and appreciate our strong foundations in the region where I grew up and where we have served for the past thirteen years. But our roots are deeper than that – or,
should I say, shallower?

I’ve wanted to see Giant Sequoias ever
since I did a report on them in fifth grade. I haven’t made it out West yet, but I remain fascinated
by these monster redwoods. The trees can be 300 feet tall and can weigh 500 tons! But what
most amazes me is their root system. Unlike other trees that anchor deep into the earth,
Sequoia roots are just 6 to 12 feet deep (I think I’ve had weeds in my yard with deeper roots
than that!). Yet, Sequoias withstand the strongest of winds and storms. Their secret? Their
roots, though shallow, are interlocking and interdependent! Giant Sequoias are rooted in each
other, and they hold each other up! In this way, they remind us of how God designed the Body
of Christ!

God tells us that in Christ “the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy
temple in the Lord” and that we are “being built together to become a dwelling in which God
lives by his Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21-22). We are meant to grow together. And our roots are
ultimately not in a place, but in a people!

So much is changing for our family “above ground.” The “winds of change” are strong and real.
But, “below ground” our roots are the same, and are stronger than anything happening above.
And they are stronger because they have long been intertwined with the rest of the Body –
including the Forcey family! We are so thankful for the foundation God has given us in Western
New York, but our roots are ultimately in Christ and His people! This is what enables us to
continue growing stronger in the midst of transition.

And this is how I envision our Forcey family growing in years to come – not just standing close
together above ground, but locking together below! And imagine when we do! How tall will we
stand (the highest Sequoia is 311 feet!)? How long will we endure (the oldest redwood is 3,500
years!)? And how many people in the world who see us will be amazed – like a fifth grader
studying Sequoias – and know there is an awesome God?!