Protect the Root

In the movie, "A Walk in the Clouds," Keanu Reaves plays the boyfriend of a woman whose family owns a centuries-old and vast vineyard.  At the apex of the movie, the vineyard is accidentally set ablaze and is completely destroyed.  We are led to believe all hope is lost and that the run of generations harvesting from these lands is now over.

As the family looks across the scorched earth, the grandfather alerts them to go and check the ancient root.  The root was the original vine from which the whole vineyard had begun.  It was protected inside a fenced-in area and preserved for moments just like these.  The family finds the root intact and celebrates.  They understand the journey ahead of them is one of replanting and cultivating and will require generations to rebuild, but they have hope because that root was preserved.

As we look across our world today, it often appears scorched.  Burned out by dysfunctional relationships, burdened with overwhelming poverty and addiction and lacking in true spirituality.  If we were to just keep reflecting on the state of society, we might feel all is lost.  Yet there is hope!

That hope takes form in the root of our children.  If we can make a concentrated, focused effort to teach and train them in truth, engage them in purpose and guide them with wisdom; If we can empower moms and dads and caretakers to establish a faith-filled home, we can see this vast vineyard thrive once again.  

The journey ahead of us is long and filled with intensely hard work.  But we are equal to the task.  This can, and must be, done.  If you are engaged in this mission already - thank you! And KEEP GOING!  If you have yet to engage, find a way.  Join your kids ministry team.  Give to the work of your local church.  Support KUEST World.  Encourage young parents and share the hope of Christ.  Get involved with local organizations that seek to mentor students.  By protecting and replanting the root, we can begin rebuilding our future.