FAITH

Why broken branches still flower and why it’s important

Table of Contents

Broken branches can still flower even when separated from the tree. I experimented with this over Easter.

We were dogsitting, and there had been an ice storm that had caused a lot of branches to get broken. One such branch was from a magnolia tree. I decided to take a couple of branches and bring them in the and put them in water, and see what would happen.

broken magnolia branch/broken branches

After about three days, the buds started to open, and the pink peeked through. They continued to open up a little each day until we left. It has been two and a half weeks now, and they are now wilting.

magnolia branch//broken branch

When I first picked them, it was just a botany experiment, but about the second day, I realized it would be a great post about Christian growth, or the lack of it. But first:

The science of broken branches

The science behind broken branches flowering is quite simple. When a branch is broken, the plant will redirect its resources to the area where the damage occurred as a survival mechanism. This often results in the production of new growth and, in some cases, even new flowers.

When a branch is broken from a tree, its lifespan ultimately depends on several factors, such as the severity of the break.

Clean breaks

If the break was a clean cut, and the branch is still relatively healthy and alive, it is possible to propagate the branch and potentially grow a new tree from it. However, this process requires careful nurturing and can take several years to develop fully.

A broken but attached branch

Generally speaking, a broken branch that is still attached to the tree will continue to receive nutrients and water through the tree’s vascular system. This will allow it to survive for some time. However, if the branch is completely severed from the tree, its lifespan will be significantly shorter.

The lifespan of a broken branch can vary greatly depending on several factors. While it may be possible to propagate and grow a new tree from a broken branch, it is ultimately best to properly prune and care for your trees to prevent any unnecessary damage.

Christians who feel broken

Now, let’s apply this principle to our spiritual lives. Like a broken branch, we can experience hardships and challenges in life that leave us feeling broken and disconnected from our source of strength and nourishment – God.

However, just like the plant redirects its resources to heal the damaged branch, God can also redirect His resources to help us grow and overcome our struggles.

It is important to remember that growth often comes through pain and discomfort, but with God’s help, we can produce new growth and even bloom in the midst of adversity. The next time you feel broken and lost, remember that you have the ability to grow and flourish, just like the broken magnolia branch that bloomed.

Broken branches can teach us important lessons

Broken Stile near Cupids Coppice

Broken branches can teach us important lessons about resilience and growth in both the physical and spiritual realms. We need to trust in God’s plan for our lives and allow Him to redirect our resources toward new growth, even when we feel broken and disconnected.

Remember that even when we feel like we’re in the midst of a storm, we can still find hope, beauty, and new growth. Just like the broken magnolia branch, God is always working behind the scenes bringing new life and beauty from our struggles. We will start to bloom once again as we are watered and nourished by the source of our strength. But we need to have faith and trust in Him.

In the book of Isaiah, God promises that He will help us even in the toughest of times. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. And when you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2

Finding new growth.

close up photography of magnolia flowers//broken branches

So, take heart and have faith. Just like the broken branch that still bloomed, we, too, can find new growth and beauty in the midst of our struggles. With God’s help and guidance, we can overcome any challenge and emerge even stronger than before.

God bless and grow some strong branches today.