LESSON OF THE WHITE PHACELIA

KATIE S. BROWN

THERE'S A LESSON to be learned from a flower called white phacelia. The sign on a nature trail in America's Northwest describes it this way: "White Phacelia thrives on dry rocky slopes where high winds and shifting soils are a fact of life. It is often surrounded by only rocks and gravel, growing alone in conditions too rugged for other plants."

Sometimes during difficult times—when we're unemployed, have difficulty finding or keeping a home, or are struggling with soaring prices for fuel—our own lives might seem suddenly transplanted to dry rocky slopes and rugged conditions. In such circumstances, we can consider that the white phacelia survives regardless of harsh elements, and that God, its Creator and ours, will take care of us, too.

The Bible tells the life stories of individuals who survived and grew stronger in tough times by relying on God. Joseph, a favored son, was thrown into a pit by his jealous brothers, and later sold into slavery by the merchants who found him. After many trials, including unjust imprisonment, he ultimately became second only to Pharaoh in ruling over Egypt. God gave him the wisdom to put aside food for the people during a time of plenty, so when famine struck, they would have enough to eat. And through his humility and obedience to God, he was also reconciled with his brothers.

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