Mark Caine, an American writer once remarked: “The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.” John 16:33 reminds us: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Success is defined as the accomplishment of a particular aim or purpose. It is often considered as a favorable outcome from one of the many trials and tribulations that life can present. It may be the consequence of sheer tenacity and fortitude against seemingly impossible odds or it may be measured in a different way, dependent on the personal ethics and opinions of an individual. Its worth is considered of extreme value and allows one to realize their hidden capabilities in the subtle face of disaster. Philippians 4:8-9 reminds us: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Roses are considered a woody perennial flowering plant that come in several varieties and colors. They are a timeless symbol of love, romance and beauty. White roses, in particular, are deemed by many to represent purity and new beginnings, which may indicate expedient elements of success. Psalm 103:15-16 reminds us: “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.”
Originating from a vibrant song in the charming 1968 musical fantasy film: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” came the renowned phrase: “From the ashes of disaster come the roses of success.” This is indicative of the notion that out of every difficult situation, no matter how extreme it may feel, beauty and positivity can emerge. Adversity is a common feature of life that often strikes without warning. However, if we live in the shadow of its constant fear, then little progress will be made. Matthew 6:25-33 reminds us: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
One of the classic examples of the “roses of success” given in the Bible is the story of Joseph. He was Jacob's favorite son, a fact that his brothers resented, especially after Jacob gifted him a colorful coat. Genesis 37:2-4 reminds us: “Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.”
Joseph was a man of dreams who was subsequently sold into slavery by his jealous siblings, ended up in prison in Egypt, and later rose to power by accurately interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, ultimately saving Egypt and his family from famine. Joseph's ability to interpret Pharaoh's dream concerning seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine led to his appointment as the second-in-command in Egypt, responsible for preparing the country for the inevitable famine.
The chronicle of Joseph is a story about God. It highlights divine providence, sovereignty, forgiveness, the triumph of good over evil, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Perhaps even more importantly, it reminds us that God is with us during times of discord or adversity. He maps out our fortunes in life so that we can enjoy the enrichment and nourishment of its fruit. Jeremiah 29:11 confirms: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
In her book: “Paint and Nectar,” Ashley Clark, an acclaimed American novelist and lecturer writes: “What if even then, God had plans for a second garden? Another tree, and another chance to reach out and accept the abundance of life? What if in Eden, God was planning Gethsemane?" The question echoed through Lucy, growing in power with each reverberation within her soul. She held a flower in her hands. The sweet, exotic perfume floated deep into Lucy's heart - carrying Ms. Beth's words right along beside it. Lucy hesitated, allowing the words to take effect. "Are you circling a closed Eden, or have you chosen to step into Gethsemane, through the open gate?" Lucy blinked. She had never thought of it like that. "Maybe what you thought was a closed gate meant to punish you is actually God's way of protecting you from remaining in a place where you won't and can't receive His life." The truth washed Lucy's heart with color. As it brushed over the harsh edges with water, watercolor blooms began to blend one into the other, filling her with understanding. Lucy's heart swelled as the long-dry soil soaked up this water. "Where you're preoccupied with your failures and your fears and the desire to preserve all you might lose, God has a plan to preserve something else. To root you in a place where life can grow within you once more, freely and abundantly. A garden of death for a garden of life, where through His own resurrection Jesus returns all that was stolen.”
Some people firmly believe that God controls all destiny. Whether that be true, or if He allows us an element of freedom to choose or dream, is a matter of individual faith and interpretation, with varying perspectives across religions and philosophies. Some of which believe in a predetermined destiny, while others emphasize free will and agency. However, if we seek God’s help, and heed His advice, then He is often willing to guide us to the special orchard of life where we can savor the most succulent fruit that we have ever encountered. Its all very well remaining pragmatic, or level-headed, but one should always be aware that just sometimes, dreams are meant to come true.
The creativity of language often utilizes the imagery of flowers, fruit and other items to describe the inner personal feelings or apophenia of life. This metaphorical likeness succeeds in its descriptive narration or viewpoint to explain how one interprets significant aspects or situations that may include both elements of adversity or success. It may emphasize a particular relationship or concept in such a way that it goes beyond normal expository vocabulary or literal comparisons. Song of Solomon 2:1-5 reminds us: “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women. As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love.”
Amen.
