A Rose in the Dark.

There’s a lot to be said about hope and where we can find it these days. In the wake of international wars, political mistrust, and the chronically tragic news cycle, uncovering genuine faith can often feel like an impossible task.

So, where do we place our anchors?

How do we face the days ahead with something much stronger than passive positivity? In other words, how do we cultivate authentic, unrelenting hope?

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Outside the window of my childhood home, there’s a small, resilient rose bush. This garden, planted by my mother and grandmother over a decade ago, still blooms every year. I wish I could show you the gorgeous fuchsia petals that adorn these delicate flowers. Their vibrant color is a testament to God’s creativity and life’s inherent beauty. It is within this beautiful plant that I find one of nature’s most precious miracles: beautiful things can grow, even in the dark. 

If you, like me, grew up in the Midwest, you know the deeply seated pain of a harsh winter. The relentless snow, icy winds, and frigid temperatures can make even the kindest soul turn mad, and yet, nature still runs its course. I see this truth in my mother’s rose bush. Although seemingly barren from October through March, this plant has entered a new era. This phase, known by biologists as dormancy, is necessary for growth. Though seemingly bleak, it is here that the rose bush prepares for spring by redirecting its energy back into its roots. I’d like to think this same invitation is also offered to us. 

Just like a seed buried underground, our experiences with darkness and the perceived “dusks” of life can ultimately serve a purpose. Any gardener worth their salt knows that true cultivation happens beyond the surface, and it is here that genuine faith is born. 

My favorite artist, Cleo Soul, puts it like this:

^ If you don’t have time to listen to the song shared above, here are some of the lyrics:

"I'm a little wiser. I'm a little kinder. After all these years, it's time to let you know. See, I learned some things and finally spread my wings. Yes, I lost myself, that's why I had to go.

Then the light came right after I forgave, and I prayed so hard, I thought I'd lose my mind.

I'm a little stronger. It took a little longer. Tell my younger self to enjoy the ride.

Do you know, do you know, do you know that things get better?

Do you know, do you know, do you know?

I had to grow the rose in the dark.”

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I stopped in my tracks the first time I heard those lyrics. The melody alone was gorgeous, but the emotional depth and sincerity in Cleo’s words moved me in an undeniable way.

“I had to grow the rose in the dark.”

Reflecting on these words, I can recall numerous times when I’ve also needed to persevere through adversity. Navigating both the beauty and challenges of this life has required me to develop strength, resilience, and determination. I imagine the same predicament has also been true for you. And so, we have a choice: resignation rooted in despair or possibility rooted in hope.

The truth is, genuine faith has never been handed to us on a silver platter; it is instead cultivated within life’s challenges. As the saying goes, “he who wants a rose must respect the thorn."

In other words, if we want to taste and experience the fullness of this life, then we must remain awake to the light and the shadows.To truly know the depths of hope, we must also be acquainted with adversity.To fully appreciate joy, we must also be familiar with sorrow. To truly cherish the depth of all that is sweet, we must also be aware of what is bitter. This certainly doesn’t make the dark days feel any better, but when practiced with patience, it can fortify us with a grounded sense of faith throughout life’s various seasons.

Yes, hope is so much more than a lofty, longed-for idea; it’s a spiritual practice, and one that requires our full participation. So, let’s pay attention to all that is blooming in the world around us - the ideas, the parties, the laughter, the love, and let’s wait for it patiently in all that is still buried underground.

Happy Thursday!