Over-Running The Temple

OVER-RUNNING THE TEMPLE

Ta Prohm is the modern name of a temple at Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor’s most popular temples with visitors. The trees growing out of the ruins are perhaps the most distinctive feature of Ta Prohm (Wikipedia). This temple was used as a location in the film, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

The silk-cotton tree grows tall above the ruins, the base of its trunk looks as though at one time it was in liquid form and just poured or flowed over the walls, to form molten "hands" with woody fingers poking and stretching at the rocks and foundations. It’s truly a sight to see.

These trees were allowed to grow and overrun something that was beautiful. Now they’re in control, they loosen walls and foundations, even as bad habits, bad practices, bad choices can do to our own lives.

(From a sermon by Ryan Napolo, Silk Cotton Trees, 5/10/2012)