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[Left to Right]
EAGLES: “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
PRAYER: “..The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
BAMBOO: roots reach deep for 5 years before shoots extend skyward.
The above was drawn in June 2012.
We were invited to draw our faith journey during Prayer Meet.
[Center] Circle with a Cross — The Eucharist, the center of our Catholic Faith – the Body of Christ.
[Left] In the darkness of my soul, i struggle to pray, yet it is through God that I draw strength. I aspire to soar freely from the cages I often land myself in.
[Right] Bamboo. I have always been in awe of How the humble Bamboo plant grows.
For 5 years, we do not see the plant. But beneath the surface, roots are reaching deep into the soil — gaining firm hold & drawing nutrients. Once it’s ready– it shoots up 27 metres++, everlasting against strong winds & rough weather!
A humble bamboo plant represents so much. It is something I identify with — especially with regard to my personal growth, spiritual hunger, as well as infancy in service.
Dear Readers; may our lives, regardless of how mundane/fruitless it seems, be enriched by the virtues extolled by a humble Bamboo plant.
Introduction to Bamboo Symbolism
The bamboo is the most popular plant in China. Every village in Southern China is surrounded by bamboo groves. To be Chinese is to feel at home with bamboo. The drooping bamboo leaves cross one another, as if they are composing the Chinese character “An” 安 (tranquility). For the wandering traveler writing letters back home, to include a bamboo leaf is to say, “I am fine, I hope that everyone in the family is enjoying peace.”
Bamboo Symbolism and the Spirit of Summer
In the order of the Four Gentlemen (the seasons of the year), the bamboo represents the spirit of summer. But since the bamboo lasts through all seasons, it is frequently associated with pine and plum as the “Three Winter Friends.”The bamboo is considered a gentleman with perfect virtues. It combines upright integrity with accommodating flexibility; it has the perfect balance of grace and strength, or the Yin and the Yang.
When the storm comes, the bamboo bends with the wind. When the storm ceases, it resumes its upright position. Its ability to cope with adversity and still stand firmly without losing its original ground is inspirational to a nation which has constantly suffered calamities.
Bamboo Symbolism: The Scholar
Bamboo is used in every phase of Chinese living, yet it needs very little care to grow and flourish. It is well-sectioned with a polished “skin” and sturdy texture. Like a self-cultivated scholar in hermitage, it is ready to render services when called upon.
Bamboo Symbolism: Simplicity and Humility
Bamboo personifies the life of simplicity. It produces neither flowers nor fruit. Chen Pan Chiao compared himself to bamboo, saying, “I will not grow flowers, so that I avoid tempting the butterflies and bees to disturb me.” The hollow trunk reminds the Chinese of humility. One artist said, “Bamboo, who understands humility by emptying his heart, (without stuffing it with arrogance) is my teacher.”
Bamboo Symbolism: Respect for Elders
The young branches at the top of the bamboo trunk will not grow at the same angle as the older branches below, in order to allow sunlight for their elders. When the young shoots emerge from the roots, they are under the shade of the older bamboo branches. Such a spirit reflects the young respecting the old as well as the old protecting the young.
Yours Sincerely,
With Love,
a child of God
Imperfect. Yet loved perfectly by a God of mercy & compassion
Many writers 